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New Non-profit Organization in NE

Published: 5/1/2010

Pacific Springs Gazette NeighborhoodNews
Barbara Coleman Works to Fight Fibromyalgia
Written by N2 Local Contributor, Shawn Watson



Resident Barb Coleman knows all too well the pain and suffering that comes from Fibromyalgia.
In an effort to help others that suffer from this condition, Coleman has started the Fund Fighting Fibromyalgia.

She knows the unbearable pain from the dreaded disease all too well. Triggered by a gall bladder surgery in 2004, Coleman suffered fibromyalgia flare ups and was confined to her Pacific
Springs home for four years. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that affects the muscles and soft tissues. Symptoms are characterized by widespread chronic pain throughout the body in the muscles
and joints. It leads to sleep problems, fatigue, emotional stress and depression.

It affects 12 million people in the United States. Nine out of ten sufferers are women. Often misdiagnosed as a mental condition, fibromyalgia negatively impacts a person’s lifestyle. Those with the disease lose friendships because they often have to cancel social engagements. Financial situations erode because the person is unable to work. Marriages suffer because the spouse
doesn’t know what’s wrong. They can’t clean house or take care
of the kids.

After her diagnosis, Coleman researched fibromyalgia for six hours a day and began talking to others conflicted with the disease. She witnessed their lives deteriorating and understood
their frustration. “I wanted to help all of them,” she added. So she began the Fund Fighting Fibromyalgia.

In order for fibromyalgia sufferers to receive assistance, they must meet certain criteria. First, the condition has to be medically documented by two Board-certified physicians. Second,
the condition has to have persisted for at least twelve months. Finally, the patient must be a resident of Nebraska and a United States citizen.

The funding can be used for medical costs not covered by insurance and/or Medicaid or Medicare, transportation to medical appointments or educational conferences, enrollment for educational courses or pain management programs and/or payment for house cleaning or lawn care services. Coleman says she’ll help sufferers file applications to get the funds needed.

Coleman recommends people experiencing symptoms of fibromyalgia consult with specialists such as rheumatologists, psychiatrists, chiropractors and physical therapists. Massages help
reduce the pain.

Lifestyle changes help too. Coleman stresses maintaining a proper physical fitness regimen along with a healthy diet. Her favorite exercise is warm water aerobics. She also advises turning to friends for support and keeping a positive mental attitude.

If someone wants to contribute to the fund, they can send a check to the address listed on her web site or use Paypal. Since the Fund Fighting Fibromyalgia is a non-profit organization, donations are tax deductible.

For more information on applying for financial assistance or making a donation, please visit fundfightingfibromyalgia.org.

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