ASOFIBEN calls for greater visibility and support for fibromyalgia patients in Benidorm

The Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association of Benidorm, ASOFIBEN, called on Tuesday for an end to the invisibility suffered by those affected by this illness during the reading of a manifesto held at the City Hall to mark World Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day, commemorated worldwide today, May 12. The city's mayor, Toni Pérez; the Councillor for Social Welfare, Ángela Zaragozí; and other members of the City Council joined ASOFIBEN members and their president, María García, at the event, where a banner was also displayed on the City Hall façade as a sign of solidarity and to raise awareness of the condition.

Margarita Frade, a member of this local group, read the manifesto, a text that states that “fibromyalgia is a real, complex, and profoundly limiting illness” and that “those of us who live with fibromyalgia not only fight against pain, but also against misunderstanding.” The manifesto laments that this illness “remains invisible in many cases” and therefore demands “recognition, respect, and support.”

“We demand more sensitive and specialised healthcare, more research, and public policies that take into account the real needs of those affected. But we also want to highlight the strength of those of us who live with this illness, our resilience, our dignity, and our daily struggle to maintain the fullest life possible,” the manifesto concludes.

Both the mayor and the councillor for Social Welfare, on behalf of the entire City Council, have expressed their full support for those affected and have expressed their hope that the invisibility that still surrounds this illness will soon be broken, leading to better conditions and a higher quality of life for sufferers.

Over the past few days, ASOFIBEN has held various activities to commemorate World Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day, including a community lunch and a benefit theatre performance, among others.