I've suffered the symptoms of Fibromyalgia for about 6 years. My goal for my modeling career has always been to use it to bring more awareness to the illness and to help others with it. Alt magazines and interviews are great, but I want to help people that share the debilitating symptoms with me.
The image used for this cover was originally from a Zivity set for their "Scantily Clad For A Cause" contest. We were lucky enough to win the contest and the proceeds from the contest and subsequent votes went to a Fibromyalgia research foundation.
I was contacted by someone from this magazine who had seen the image on Flickr and wanted to use it for the cover of their upcoming bi-monthly magazine dedicated to bringing awareness and helping those with the disease. We made some changes specific to the magazine (ex: adding tender points) and they loved it.
When I excitedly told my mom about it, she contacted the magazine and they asked her to write about her experiences raising a child with Fibromyalgia. The piece that my mom wrote has brought me to tears more than once because it describes everything in such an honest way, that I would never have admitted to anyone about how difficult it's been.
A lot of people don't understand my illness, and it's been a challenge. I've faced many disappointments and have to mold my life around my symptoms. I've even had to cancel shoots because I have passed out and was in extreme pain (so much that I was crying), and have had photographers become very rude to me about it.
This is the most meaningful thing that I have done thus far with my modeling career. I am thankful to my amazing parents for all of their undying support throughout everything I've been through. And for my boyfriend who has taken care of me in some very extreme situations and visits to the ER. And to Sylvanas, my kitty, for her support as well.
So, please, check out the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Life Magazine cover (featuring me) and amazing article written by my mom here: http://www.fmcpaware.org/media/newsletters/fibromyalgiachronicpainlife2011sepoct/index.html
Photographer/Editor: Pissed Off Pistol Photography
Chelsea, I'm an alternative model with fibromyalgia and mixed connective tissue disease. I randomly decided to do a search and see if there is anyone else out there like me and there is! I have added you on Facebook - my name is E Rachel Gilley. I'd love to chat with you!
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