My advocacy journey began in 2014 when I launched A Flarey Tale Blog and Facebook page. I went on to build awareness walks, share my story through invisible the film and launch the FCSA. Somewhere along that path, I lost my voice. While I advocated for many, shared their stories and fought their battles; including one on behalf of my own son, my voice became silent.
Looking back now, there were several reasons for this. All of which I plan to share through this blog. I hope that by sharing my past traumas, personal struggles and how my voice aided me in healing, you will find the power of your voice and use it to uplift not only yourself but also our community and everyone that crosses your path. Our Stories matter and only through them can we prove to others that they are not alone. We must use the Power in our Voices and Stories to fight the injustices and structures that seek to keep us invisible!
Milly Velez
In Peace, Power and Progress
“There’s Power in allowing yourself to be known and heard. In owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice”~ Michelle Obama
As many of you know, I believe that Fibromyalgia is a nervous system disorder where the root cause is Trauma. In my situation, chronic trauma stems from emotional and physical trauma that began in childhood/adolescence and continued through adulthood. Having survived a myriad of traumas in my life has led me on a quest to do my part in ensuring that future generations do not inherit what was handed down to me-No human should EVER have to endure so much pain!
Read MoreDid you know that trauma could be inherited? While some people inherit heirlooms, there are many groups of people that inherit generational trauma.
Read MoreI am still overwhelmed with emotion by all the love that the FCSA received during the month of June. The month commenced with the Ariagna Perrelo Civic association presenting me with a Woman of Distinction award on June 3rd. In my 25 years of serving multiple communities, this is the first public recognition I have received and my heart is still overjoyed by it! I received an honor for trailblazing the fibromyalgia community!! This is for my 5-year-old granddaughter, Audrey. I hope one day it reminds her that there is power in persevering.
Read More2022 World Health Day!
Read MoreLast month, through the “Our Stories are Powerful” blog post, I told y’all about how I began to liberate myself by unloading 36 years of past trauma. Some of that trauma stemmed from choices made on my behalf by Bronx Family Court. However, that traumatic experience as a 13-year-old was not all “bad”. Some of it equipped me to be a better human being later in life. My experience at Lakeside school prepared me to listen with a compassionate ear to the people and communities that I served later in life and still continue to serve. Our stories are powerful; however, we can only begin to enact change when those in power are listening to understand and respond with action.
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