May 12th is International Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, which derives from the May 12th International Awareness Day. May 12th has been designated as International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND) since 1992. The CIND illnesses include Fibromyalgia, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).
May 12th was chosen as it is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, since she experienced fibromyalgia-like symptoms, and became the 2020 marks the 200th anniversary of Florence’s birth. She is regarded as the mother of nursing, which is why May 12th is also the International Nurses’ Day. Every year on May 12th, fibromyalgia organisations around the world come together to raise awareness of fibromyalgia, while doing what they can to support people living with the condition. 2020 will be a unique awareness day, like no other, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many of us will be restricted for seeing others due to social distancing, what we can do is raise awareness online, and offer a virtual helping hand to those in our communities who may need somebody to talk to today. We think it’s time to speak up about fibromyalgia. Are you with us?