Interest Statement

I was first aware of unexplained pain in my body at the age of seven. My pediatrician told my mother that I was the sickest looking healthy child in his practice. Over the years other medical professionals suggested I was a “Blue Blood” and should sit on a pillow, or told me, “You have an ache in your stuffing, Raggedy Ann.” Imagine my joy of being diagnosed with fibromyalgia some 40 years later. Yes, joy; someone had finally heard my pain.

I am a pain survivor; not only from the FMS, but from migraine headaches I began experiencing as an adult. I am pleased to share my journey in order to help others avoid the years of self-doubt and confusion. I have been blessed with a very supportive family and now have found medical professionals who have helped me with treatment and understanding. Sure, there are still bad days, but they are fewer and easier now. Will there be more, especially as I age? Perhaps, but I have an understanding community around me to provide support when those days come.

Many women have to fight for health alone and are beaten down by the system. I am anxious to share my story in an effort to help others gain the endurance to find the necessary support to take back their lives which have been stolen by pain. I also want to show physicians the face and meaningful life of a successful survivor.

Biography

Gail Williamson is a well-known public speaker and advocate for performers with disabilities. Working as a consultant with the California State Media Access Office for more than 12 years, she has established herself as the “go to” person in Hollywood and elsewhere when a project includes characters with disabilities. Gail is currently employed as the Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, Inc. Her connections in the Entertainment Industry along with her past position as president of the Media Image Coalition: A project of the L.A. Commission on Human Relations, gives her a realistic view of what media depiction can do for diverse groups.

Gail continues to travel for speaking engagements addressing issues like: “The Importance of Images of People with Disabilities in the Media,” “Media Advocacy,” “The Business of Show Business,” “Images of Down Syndrome in the Media,” and her and her husband’s personal story of raising two sons, one with a disability, and opening their home to their six nieces.