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National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

Show your support for National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day - join the fight to help raise awareness, combat stigma, and promote better treatments.

Wednesday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 12

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day on May 12 is a special occasion dedicated to raising awareness about this chronic condition. This day was first established in 1998, and since then it has grown into an annual event that brings together individuals living with fibromyalgia, their families, friends and caregivers to create awareness for the illness. It's also a great opportunity for people to come together in solidarity and show support for those who are struggling with this painful disorder.

TIMELINE

National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day Timeline

Fibromyalgia Recognition

The term fibromyalgia is first used in medical literature, replacing the older term "fibrositis" and acknowledging the condition as not being inflammatory nature.

Medical Acceptance of Fibromyalgia

The American Medical Association officially recognizes fibromyalgia as a medical disorder, validating the pain and symptoms sufferers experience.

Diagnostic Criteria Established

The American College of Rheumatology develops the first diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia, providing clear guidance for medical professionals to diagnose the condition.

First National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

The first National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is held on May 12, creating a platform for advocating and raising awareness about the condition.

First FDA-approved Treatment

Lyrica (pregabalin) becomes the first drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

New Diagnostic Criteria

The American College of Rheumatology updates their diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia, no longer requiring tender point examination for diagnosis.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

Educate yourself

Take the time to learn more about fibromyalgia, including its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding the condition can help you better support those who live with it.

DONATE

Donate to a fibromyalgia charity

Choose an organization that supports research into fibromyalgia and make a donation in honor of National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.

ORGANIZE

Organize a fundraiser

Host an event such as a silent auction or bake sale to raise funds for a fibromyalgia charity.

SEND

Send positive messages

Write encouraging cards or letters to people living with fibromyalgia, offering words of comfort and support.

WEAR

Wear purple

Purple is the color of international awareness for fibromyalgia. Wear something purple to show your support.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is Important

It leads to better diagnosis & treatment

The more attention Fibromyalgia receives, the closer we get to finding an effective way to diagnose and treat it. By acknowledging this day, we can continue to push forward in finding improved treatments and management strategies so that those living with this condition can live happier, healthier lives.

It raises awareness of Fibromyalgia

National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is an important day that helps to raise awareness about fibromyalgia and the impact it has on people’s lives. It can help bring visibility to a condition that affects millions of people around the world, but often goes unrecognised or misunderstood.

It shows support for those living with Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can be an isolating condition due to its complexity and lack of understanding from others. That's why National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is so important - by showing our support we let those who are affected know that they are not alone and that we are here for them.

Related holidays

Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month

Join us this Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month to learn more about this chronic condition, support those affected, and spread awareness for better understanding.

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WED

May 2026