2023 Fibro Youth Advocates Coordinator
The Fibromyalgia Care Society of America Youth Advocates Program (FYA) promotes unity among young people living with fibromyalgia. Through our work the FYA are able to come together to discuss fibromyalgia as it relates to their lives. From the stressors of going back to school, navigating appropriate accommodations, to the pressures of fitting in and showing up as their authentic selves, FYA member work to offer a support system for young people living with fibromyalgia.
Meet Katie
Katherine grew up on Long Island before moving to Queens at age 16. Katherine goes by the nickname Katie and was diagnosed with #Fibro at the age of 17. After high school she went to work as a hairdresser where she quickly learned that she wouldn’t be able to work full time due to Fibromyalgia. Katie is currently 25 and working towards her degree in social work. Her end goal is to create resources for her community that aren’t currently available as of now.
Fun Fact-Katie is a Zumba instructor and she uses music to manage her fibromyalgia.
Katie is excited to work in creating supportive space for other young people living with fibromyalgia.
To learn more about the FCSA’s Fibro Youth Advocacy Program contact Katie at kpaniccia@fibro.org.
Meet Bella
A commercial music major with an emphasis on songwriting at Belmont University, Bella is a 20 year old woman who’s passionate about music, writing, and storytelling. She is a first generation Cuban American who was born & raised just outside of Atlanta, GA. She also identifies as bisexual. She has been diagnosed with #fibromyalgia since she was 17, but started showing symptoms from the young age of 14. Atop fibro, she battles with IBS, chronic fatigue, C-PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Her goal is to bring light to these very real and common battles while helping people learn how to cope and become empowered to be their authentic selves once more.
To learn more about the FCSA’s Fibro Youth Advocacy Program contact Bella at imarquez@fibro.org
FIBROMYALGIA AND MENTAL HEALTH
the sunny side of life
with caraline shedd
OUR ANNUAL CATERPILLAR WALK
Fibro Youth Advocate, Francisco, a Retired United States Marine encourages fibro warriors, their friends, families and our Ally’s to participate in our annual caterpillar walk held during the month of may-National Fibromyalgia Awareness Month.
Fibro Youth Advocate, Mesha Allen discusses Fibromyalgia, Anxiety, and Depression. She further explains how these invisible illnesses can affect young people and the importance of connecting with the community.
“Depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents.” ~World Health Organization
Fibro Youth Advocate, Caraline Shedd encourages individuals to maintain optimism despite the pain caused by Fibromyalgia. She shares how she finds light in days she finds herself overwhelmed by Fibro.
Want to hear more from Caraline?
Contact her at cshedd@fibro.org with suggestions for upcoming topics and videos related to young people living with Fibromyalgia.
The Caterpillar walk program is a fundraising campaign designed to raise awareness, support for Fibromyalgia and build unity amongst the Fibro community. Join the Movement to help support the introduction of the Nations first Center of Excellence (COE) program for people living with fibromyalgia. 100% of the proceeds raised are earmarked for the COE program.
Join our mailing list to stay up to date on Caterpillar Walks and other events.
“Fibromyalgia present in nearly 40% of US service members seeking PTSD treatment”~University of Texas Health Center
Fibro Youth Coordinators
Mesha Allen
Mesha Allen is a recent graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey with a B.A. in Contemporary Arts in Jan. 2018, where she took courses in Music Studies, Health & Wellness, and participated in activities focused on Social Justice Issues. She's a life-long resident of Newark, NJ and is a music enthusiast, loves to laugh, and advocates for young people living with chronic pain and invisible illnesses in underserved communities. Mesha has been committed to advocating for youth with Fibromyalgia through the Fibro Youth Advocate program since 2018.
CONTACT MESHA at MALLEN@FIBRO.ORG
Caraline Shedd
Caraline Shedd, is a North Carolina native, who was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia at the age of 19. Over the years, Caraline has made it her personal mission to build a keen understanding of fibromyalgia to not only help her with her own experience, but to also help others. In fact, her passion and desire to help others lead to the founding of her own YouTube Channel, The Living Tree, which gives voice to her experience living with fibromyalgia. Caraline’s goal is to continue to better herself, to continue growing and to learn, so that she may share her life’s experience with Fibromyalgia through the good days and bad days, with others like her.
CONTACT CARALINE AT CSHEDD@FIBRO.ORG
Francisco Martinez, Jr.
Born in Bronx, NY and later moving to Newark, NJ, Francisco Martinez is a retired United States Marine Corps veteran and person living with Fibromyalgia. He joined the Marine Corps at the age of 17 where he worked as a Combat Correspondent. During his second enlistment, Francisco was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. He was 24. Following his diagnosis, he was medically retired and has since been working alongside the Fibromyalgia Care Society of America as a Fibro Youth Advocate. He is currently attending Bergen County College where he is majoring in Social Work. Francisco looks forward to using his educational background and experience within the military to help fellow veterans heal from stress related trauma caused by military experience.
CONTACT FRANCISCO AT FMARTINEZ@FIBRO.ORG
FIBRO YOUTH ADVOCATES
Skylar Allen
Ciara Serpa
Mandy Radie
Anaya Fuentes
BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS
In support of our fellow young people living with Fibromyalgia and to bring attention to Pain Awareness Month, FCSA’s Fibro Youth Advocates are here to provide a few tips and hacks that we hope can help you throughout the School Year!
