My name is Jessica. I'm 33 and live in Ottawa. It's funny how in sitting to write about my experiences with Fibromyalgia, I end up counting my blessings. I've been lucky….so far. I have pain free days, I have energy to pursue my passions and my career and I'm able to give back to the people who give me the comfort I need along the way. I am a daughter, a sister, a friend, an employee, a musician, a volunteer and somewhat of the 'class clown' now and then. Being diagnosed at 26 and the subsequent bouts of depression and pain has made me realize what's important in my life: to be productive, social, even to drink and dance till 3am if that's what I feel like doing (and my Mum says do that way too much!!). I'm on my own, so I can do those things and still take time for myself recharge my batteries (naps are the most delicious things in the world!!!) I thank all of the people who have touched my life with every fiber of my being.

Again, I'll say that I'm lucky so far and despite things like headaches that can last for 4 months, the darting off to the bathroom at inopportune times like during a meeting or a date, the unrestful sleep and horrific nightmares from the medication, I can get out of bed in the morning and live my day. I can give back to my family, my friends and my community and pray everyday that I'll be able to do this and that this so-called 'syndrome' won't make that impossible for me.

I'm thrilled that FM-CFS Canada is working to raise awareness for our plight. I'm hoping that one day I'll finally be able to get disability insurance on my mortgage (imagine at 27 being denied insurance?), medical plans that allow more than 3 massages a year! Perhaps there will be more treatment options - enough to help all of us who suffer so differently from this condition. And if those things don't happen, at least a government and a community that is educated and can provide compassionate, meaningful support.

For those of you who have managed to avoid this condition, I have one favour to ask. Please don't think of this as 'fashionable' or a 'catch-all' or a 'convenient label'. It's debilitating, it's life threatening in its own way and the last thing any of us needs is not to feel validated. We're not hypochondriacs, we don't need the extra attention. We're all just finding our own way to cope and get through. And for those who have FM or CFS, please remember to say 'thanks' to all those people who make you smile.

Thank you for your time.