Sweet Carolina

The day I’ve worked for the last year and a half has finally arrived. I couldn’t wait to share this information with you. This started with an idea, and ended finally with official recognition.

Curious yet?

We finally won the fight in South Carolina!!!! I submitted a bill to Senator Ray Cleary ( my local state senator) asking for his support in getting legislation passed making May 12th South Carolina’s Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. I’m happy to report that this has been a successful campaign. Not only did the bill pass in the Senate and the House, but Governor Sanford has signed the bill. It has now been ratified into South Carolina’s Code of Laws.

Here is how the bill reads:

(A196, R226, S883) {This stands for Act #196, Ratified bill #226 and State bill 883)
AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-105 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TWELFTH DAY OF MAY OF EACH YEAR IS DESIGNATED AS “FIBROMYALGIA AWARENESS DAY” TO EDUCATE EMPLOYERS, PHYSICIANS AND CITIZENS OF SOUTH CAROLINA OF THE DEBILITATING EFFECTS OF FIBROMYALGIA.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

Legislative Findings:

SECTION 1 The General Assembly finds and declares that:

 

(1) An estimated six million Americans have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a disease for which there is no known cause or cure.

 

(2) Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pain and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Neurological complaints such as numbness, tingling, and burning are often present and add to the discomfort of the patient.

 

(3) Additional symptoms of fibromyalgia include irritable bowel and bladder syndrome, headaches, and migraines, restless leg syndrome, impaired memory and concentration, skin sensitivities, and dry eyes and mouth.

 

(4) Because fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose, patients often suffer from the disease for years before they are treated. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, medication is available to alleviate symptoms of the illness.

 

(5) The National Fibromyalgia Association and other support organizations promote fibromyalgia awareness and support including education, diagnosis, research, and treatment.

This is a very important win for us. This is what we needed to get into the other state legislatures. They no longer have to be pioneers. All they have to do now is be brave enough to step up and follow in the footsteps of South Carolina.

We owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Ray Cleary as well as the entire legislative body and Governor Sanford for making this possible. They have taken our fight to a entire new plateau and made it even more possible for us to end the stigmas that follow us throughout our lives.

Until next time, live life with hope and faith.

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About the Author:

Kelly Cozzone is a regular contributor to Fog Magazine. Besides writing, she is an ardent disability advocate in the state of South Carolina, where her efforts have changed lives.