The ICI Experience:

I don't really know where to start with writing about the International Leaders Against Pain program that I attended this month. So I'm just going to jump in there and start with the "Leader's Pledge to Care". We made this pledge on the last night of the program. It is a blueprint, if you will, of what I need to do, the directions I need to take, in leading the push for awareness and treatment of Fibromyalgia. Leader's Pledge to Care We pledge to partner with the NFA to: * BE THE VOICE of millions of people suffering with fibromyalgia, and to actively advocate on their behalf for an improved quality of life. * PROVIDE PERSONAL SUPPORT to offer hope and real solutions to the life-altering challenges faced by people with fibromyalgia, and their caregivers. * CREATE AN ONGOING MEDIA PRESENCE that raises awareness, communicates facts, and changes perceptions about fibromyalgia. * PROMOTE PROGRAMS that will result in continuing medical education to help health ...

It was all quite wonderful and I'll write more about it when I've gotten organized and recovered from the whirlwind trip.

Just a note to tell you it's all been worth it many times over. Today is the last day of ILAP 2008. As soon as I get home I'll tell you more about it and I've got bunches of pictures of the fantastic conference facility where it was held. So, to be continued...

Well, I'm sitting here by the gate waiting for my 4 p.m flight to Dulles International in Washington, D.C. where I will then be whisked away by van (hopefully - if I miss the van and have to take a taxi it will cost @ $120) to the Airlie Center for the NFA's International Leaders Against Pain media and advocacy training. My connecting flight to Atlanta was HORRIBLE. There was a sour smell to the air coming from overhead, I'm pretty sure the man next to me was passing gas, it was hot and it was cramped. The only good thing was that it was only a 38 minute flight. I don't really have anything to say - I just wanted to put a post up from the airport because I CAN - except that my suitcase weighted 10.5 pounds over the 50 pound limit so I had to pay $80 because there's nothing in there that I can't do without!!! Three days of business casual attire plus a couple of comfortable outfits and the absolute necessities of my life for a four day and four night stay and...

Here are the important parts of the notification email I received: June 25, 2008 Dear “International Leaders Against Pain” Applicant, Congratulations! You have been chosen to receive the NFA 2008 Leaders’ Scholarship to attend NFA’s 4th Annual International Leaders Against Pain Media and Advocacy Training Seminar at the Airlie Conference Center in Warrenton Virginia Sunday, August 10 to Thursday, August 14, 2008. The National Fibromyalgia Association is pleased to invite you to spend 5 days and 4 nights with support group leaders and patient advocates from around the world to learn how to promote and create awareness on behalf of those living with fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses. Your NFA 2008 National LAP Scholarship includes: 4 Nights accommodations Sunday, August 10 through Wednesday August 13, 2008 at Airlie Center Dinner on Sunday, August 10, 2008 Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday, August 11 through Wednesday, August 13, 20...