ABOUT US


OUR BEGINNINGS

Fibromyalgia Support Network [FSN] is a community-based, volunteer-driven, self-help and wellness support group. We offer positive moral support, encouragement, education and information to those affected by Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS/FM) and its related symptoms or comorbidities. FSN demonstrates this by embracing and demonstrating its philosophy and culture of “Supporting Ourselves by Helping Others“.

Responding to a growing community need and a lack of support, Jacqueline Fraser decided it was time to organize and do something to help herself and others on a similar journey with Fibromyalgia. In November 2014, Jacqueline founded Fibromyalgia London Group [FLG]. Monthly peer support group meetings provided much needed education, advocacy and emotional support to persons with Fibromyalgia living in London, St. Thomas and Middlesex County in Ontario, Canada. The medical provider and healthcare community started becoming aware of its existence and has, since then, been recommending patients to connect with our organization.

In March 2020, the Coronavirus Global Pandemic hit Canada resulting in lock-downs, business and government service office closures, and a temporary stop to accessing medical and healthcare services. In response to the impact of the pandemic on Fibromyalgia communities across Canada, the group evolved to serve as an online community, without any geographic restrictions on membership.

FSN’s current Leadership Team, led by Group Manager, David Wilson, and Group Mentor, Jacqueline Fraser, continues to push its boundaries to expand community outreach and engagement by continuing to offer a variety of FREE, virtual programs and activities, via Zoom. It prides itself in being inclusive and thus welcomes into its membership, individuals of all ages, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, and socio-economic standing.

We also welcome people who suffer from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) as part of our membership as there is a wide overlap of symptoms in ME/CFS and FM.

On May 1, 2023, the Leadership Team made the unanimous decision to change its name to “Fibromyalgia Support Network” to better reflect our inclusive, national and international outreach and membership.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:

Fibromyalgia Support Network [FSN] was created to be a resource of pertinent information, education, and peer-led wellness support to all who attend our virtual and in-person programs. While we may invite healthcare professionals, advocates, practitioners or representatives from community organizations to speak at our programs and special public events, FSN does not endorse, support or recommend any specific service provider, treatment, product, theory or person.

Please note that Fibromyalgia Support Network is not a therapy group. Our programs and activities are not a place to bash or condemn a doctor or practitioner and is not in the business of either diagnosing or verifying a diagnosis for Fibromyalgia and its symptoms.

OUR PURPOSE/MISSION STATEMENT

To provide persons with Fibromyalgia, regardless of where they live, with:

  1. access to a safe, scent-free, supportive, inclusive space where individuals, their families and supporters can, without judgement, listen to, learn from, and share personal experiences, information, ideas and strategies;

  2. increase one’s knowledge and education about this invisible, chronic multi-systemic illness;

  3. find inspiration and acceptance in a caring, positive, fun and friendly environment; and

  4. develop and strengthen one’s ability to not just survive with Fibromyalgia, but thrive, in spite of it.

OUR VISION

Fibromyalgia Support Network [FSN] strives to become a/an:

  1. respected peer-led support and wellness community organization;

  2. reliable resource and referral base for health and wellness information on Fibromyalgia;

  3. expansive network of connections for individuals living with Fibromyalgia and their families/caregivers;

  4. strong advocate for increasing public awareness and greater accessibility to community/ government funding, resources, and services;

  5. recognized, independent virtual entity which promotes and provides meaningful patient centered education and activities; and

  6. registered not-for-profit organization which unites individuals with Fibromyalgia across Canada and beyond.

SHARED VALUES & BELIEFS

~ to engage individuals, their families, caregivers and supporters in the Group’s activities, initiatives & special events;

~ to advocate for more awareness, education and resources for the local Fibromyalgia community;

~ to empower members to support themselves by helping others by showing concern, offering moral support, demonstrating compassion and understanding to individuals who are facing challenges or struggling in their journey with Fibromyalgia;

~ to maintain a safe, inclusive, non-judgmental, caring, positive space for virtual and in-person program sessions, activities, and special events;

~ to stay informed on research and development related to Fibromyalgia and its symptoms; and

~ to serve as a reliable resource for information, connections and links.