H.O.P.E. to bring fibromyalgia documentary to Birmingham
March 9, 2009
Join H.O.P.E. as they share their recently unveiled 90-minute documentary with the community. This moving, educational production validates fibromyalgia, the painful condition that affects an estimated 10 million people in the U.S. who struggle to gain access to approved treatments.
Fibromyalgia: Fitting the Pieces Together will be shown 2:15Ð3:45 p.m. Sunday, March 22, at the Birmingham Palladium, 250 North Old Woodward, Birmingham. Immediately following at 3:45 p.m. there will be a Question and Answer session for the audience. It will be led by
Martin S. Tamler, M.D. program director Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency, William Beaumont Hospital, and Sharon Ostalecki, Ph.D., author of two books on fibromyalgia and executive director of H.O.P.E (Helping Our Pain and Exhaustion), a non-profit support group for those suffering with Fibromyalgia.
The question and answer opportunity as well as the documentary address treatment options, pain management, access issues, and ways to live a full life with fibromyalgia.
"Fibromyalgia is a condition with global symptoms and associated conditions. The first line of treatment for any disorder or condition is education," said Tamler. "It's a piece that empowers patients to become proactive to treatment and eventually healing. The question and answer session, after the screening will provide a forum where patients will feel comfortable to ask questions and receive accurate information and perspective."The patient screening of the documentary is the first step in H.O.P.E.'s outreach campaign of education and treatment options. A support group, led by Ostalecki, will be launched at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak 7 p.m.Thursday, April 2.
"Fibromyalgia affects everyone associated with the patient. H.O.P.E is committed to providing support and education to all," said Ostalecki. "We will continue with programs that serve those with fibromyalgia, families, and health care providers. Our support and classes are open to the public and provide a place for participants to exchange information, share concerns and problem solve to learn more effective methods of coping with chronic pain."
Tickets for the screening are $20 per person. DVD copies of the documentary will be available for $25 in the lobby before and after event. For tickets or more information, contact Ostalecki at (248) 344-0896, e-mail smo23915@aol.com, or visit hffcf.org.