PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
November 7, 2011

THE COLORADO FIBROMYALGIA NETWORK CLOSING ITS DOORS

Organization’s founder cites lack of funding, health concerns and drop in attendance as primary reasons

FEDERAL HEIGHTS, COLO. – The Colorado Fibromyalgia Network is ceasing its operations effective immediately.  After three years of service to the chronic pain community in the Centennial State, the organization’s leadership made the difficult decision to close its doors this morning.

“In this economy, it’s hard enough for working families to survive; for charitable and non-profit organizations, it’s nearly impossible,” stated the organization’s founder, Lannette Johnson.  “We just cannot continue our work at this time.”

Since its inception in October 2008, the Colorado Fibromyalgia Network has provided support and education to hundreds of people, and has been recognized by Colorado’s elected officials for its dedication to the needs of fibromyalgia patients.  The organization has helped raise awareness in several ways, including operating online and in-person support groups, giving lectures, participating in community events, and engaging in dialogue with politicians in Denver and Washington, DC.

A fibromyalgia patient herself, Ms. Johnson’s own health concerns played a role in the decision to close the organization.  She stated that attendance at the face-to-face support group meetings has dropped dramatically in the last six months, as well.

On Sunday, 10/2/2011, Lannette and Stace Johnson, founders of the Colorado Fibromyalgia Network, will be attending the 2011 Invisible Disabilities Association Honors Banquet in Littleton, Colorado as guests of Allsup, the leading Social Security Disability Representation organization in the United States.

The banquet will honor eleven Colorado individuals who have made a difference in bringing awareness, research, advocacy, health care, and inspiration to the general community and to patients who live with invisible disabilities every day.

Lannette and Stace are honored and humbled to have been invited to attend this event as guests of Allsup, and they look forward to networking with other Colorado invisible disabilities advocates and organizations.

To increase FM awareness in a BIG way, the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association has secured advertising on the CBS jumbo screen in New York City's Times Square.  The 15 second Public Service Announcement runs once per hour, all day long, until July.  For those who aren't in New York to see the ad, we've included it below.  (If you can't see the ad, you may need to install or update Quicktime on your computer.)

Mesa State College released the following information today about Lannette's participation in the upcoming Colorado Capital Conference in Washington, DC. (Click here to see the original press release at readabout.me)

Lannette Johnson of Federal Heights selected to attend the 2011 Colorado Capital Conference sponsored by U.S. Sen. Udall and Mesa State

May 2011

Mesa State College and U.S. Sen. Mark Udall are proud to announce that Lannette Johnson of Federal Heights is among the 62 Coloradans who have been selected to attend the first Colorado Capital Conference in Washington, D.C.

The conference is designed to give residents from every corner of Colorado a better understanding of the federal legislative process by giving them the opportunity to interact with members of Congress, the President's cabinet and other relevant leaders in Washington, D.C.

Those who plan to attend the conference include residents as well as residents of Mesa, Adams, Weld, El Paso, Custer, La Plata, Delta, Denver, Douglas, Pitkin, Rio Grande, Gunnison, Boulder, Montezuma, Grand, Jefferson, Chaffee, Broomfield, Eagle, Alamosa, Kit Carson, Pueblo, Montrose and Arapahoe counties.

"I am thrilled to be a part of any movement that gets Coloradans out to our nation's capital," said Sen. Mark Udall. "But I am especially proud of this effort, because it will allow Washington to hear the thoughtful and innovative perspectives on legislative issues and government efficiency of our great state. These citizens want their voices to be heard, and that input is what democracy is all about. We hope that this is the first of many productive Capital Conferences and that more Coloradans will take part in this great opportunity in the years to come."

"Colorado has a rich history of civic engagement. Leaders in our state understand that Western issues are unique and sometimes wonder how they can affect policy," said Mesa State President Tim Foster. "This is a great opportunity for those attending to get an insider's view into national issues and I'm excited we have folks from every corner of Colorado participating in this year's conference."

Activities at the conference include a reception hosted by the Colorado Congressional Delegation and presentations from Members of Congress and the President's Cabinet. A luncheon will feature keynote speaker Charlie Cook of the Cook Political Report. Cook is also a political analyst for NBC News and a political columnist for the National Journal. He is considered one of the nation's leading authorities on American politics and U.S. elections.

The 2011 Colorado Capital Conference will be held June 15-17, 2011.

As you can see, this is an excellent opportunity for Lannette and for fibromyalgia patients in Colorado.  Unfortunately, it's an opportunity that is not free, and between the registration fee, airfare, lodging, and incidental costs, the trip is going to cost about $2,000.  The good news is that we are only about $250 away from that goal!  Please consider donating by clicking the yellow PayPal Donate button to the right.  (For those of you reading this on Facebook, please visit the ColoFibro.org website to donate.)

We received more information today about the Colorado Capital Conference trip to Washington, D.C. that we announced a few days ago.  Included in the new information is an agenda, public tour information, and contact information for Senator Udall's office.  You can read more on the Colorado Capital Conference web page.

During the two business days that Lannette will be attending the conference, she will participate in three concentrated sessions in the Capitol Visitor Center and Hart Senate Office Building.  These sessions alone will comprise more than eight hours of contact with Washington officials, not counting any outside interaction.  In addition, she will attend lunches and dinners at the Library of Congress, Hyatt Regency Washington, and Russell Senate Office Building.

This is an incredible opportunity for Lannette, but it's an even greater opportunity for fibromyalgia patients.  As a leader in the fibromyalgia community, Lannette has the opportunity to bring your voices with her to Capitol Hill.  Now is your opportunity to let your Colorado legislators know how important fibromyalgia research and funding are.  Feel free to e-mail us via the Contact link above, or add comments below and let Lannette know what you think she should tell our lawmakers.

We have received a few donations toward the cost of this trip, and we greatly appreciate those donations.  However, we are still only a little more than halfway to our goal of $2,000 for the trip, which includes the cost of air fare, lodging, incidental food, and the conference registration fee.  We now have less than a month to collect about $900, and we need your help, even if it's only $5.  Please click the Donate button on the right side of this page to share what you can, and we will acknowledge your contribution on the Fundraising page, unless you wish to remain anonymous.

The Colorado Fibromyalgia Network is a registered Colorado charitable organization.  You can see our credentials on the Colorado Secretary of State website.  All donations are processed securely through Paypal, but a Paypal account is not required for donations; credit card donations are also welcome.