It's Getting Closer, Are You Ready?

It's getting quite exciting, May 12th Awareness Day is fast approaching.

Our preparations are well underway.

I've ordered jam jars and a purple light. I've bought purple t-shirts and a purple onesie for my granddaughter.

I just need jar labels, which my lovely hubby is going to be designing for me this week.

Oh and talking of Rob, I also need an extra large purple t-shirt for him to wear yet.

It's great to see so many people and organisations coming together to raise awareness in various ways. There's so much choice, that just when I think I've got my plan, someone else comes up with an idea that I want to join as well.

Someone told me they are making purple ribbons for their family and friends to wear. That's a great idea, and so easy to do. But will that overload me?

I'm already spending Sunday the 11th in Pyjamas making jam with the family! We'll all be wearing purple on Monday the 12th and I've registered for the Blog Bomb and the Twitter Thunder Clap! Plus I'm lighting up the house with purple light too.

It looks like my Awareness Day's going to go on all week!

It'll be well worth it though; the more people are aware of these horrible, invisible illnesses, the more understanding and support us sufferers will receive.

So, my plans are made, what's yours? What are you doing for May 12th? Every little helps, so even if it's only wearing purple, and spreading the word, go for it! I'd love to hear what you're all doing, perhaps leave me a comment?

Are you ready?

Be strong.

Count Down to May 12th.

It's fabulous to see so much activity and so many people helping to raise awareness of FM amongst other invisible illnesses.

In fact there's been so many different events and fundraising ideas that I thought it might help if I prepared the following summary.

So, these are the the invisible illnesses that we are all trying to raise awareness of:

FM - Fibromyalgia
ME - Myalgic encephalomyelitis
CFS - Chronic fatigue syndrome
MCS - Multiple chemical sensitivity
Lyme - Lyme disease

These are the events taking place which you can support:

• Jamming in Jim Jams - this is my own event, I will be making jam in my pjs, with my husband, daughter and granddaughter on May 11th. you can sponsor us at http://justgiving.com/dawn-derraven. I'm donating money raised to The Big Sleep for ME.

• The Big Sleep for ME - event being run by Invest In ME on May 12th. Arrange your own sleep inspired event or sponsor one that's already planned. More details at www.thebigsleepforme.com.

• Light Up The Night for Awareness - event being co-ordinated by www.facebook.com/may12th.awareness. Light up your homes and / or local landmarks in the colour of your choice; blue, green or purple.

• Wear Purple and Spread the Word - event being arranged by Trish Gray, tell at least one person that you have or know someone with FM / CFS / ME and encourage them to do the same, wearing purple ( FM) and / or blue (CFS / ME) to demonstrate support on May 12th. More details at https://www.facebook.com/trish.fighter.gray/events.

• Blue Sunday 11th May - event being run by Life in the slow lane with M.E. This is an online tea party, more details at www.lifeintheslowlanewithme.blogspot.com.

• Princess and M.E. - this is also an event being co-ordinated by Life in the slow lane with M.E. Anna and some of her friends are spending the 12th of May in bed dressed as princesses. More details at www.justgiving.com/teams/meprincesses.

• May 12th Blog Bomb - being co-ordinated by http://www.sallyjustme.blogspot.com. Sally in encouraging all bloggers to write about ME / FM / CFS and publish on the 12th of May to help raise awareness.

If you or someone you know has any other events arranged and would like them included in this summary, please email me the details on fibromyalgia.dee@hotmail.co.uk.

This information has been collated to the best of my knowledge, I apologise for any errors but hope that this information helps in our aim to raise awareness.

Be strong!