The
Fibromyalgia Treatment Center, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation
with a threefold mission:
- Raise money for research into the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia;
- Educate the medical community and the general public about the nature,
diagnosis, and treatment of fibromyalgia and its related conditions;
- Aid fibromyalgics in their search for health.
More than ten years ago a small group of fibromyalgics,
all members of an online support group, were getting well following the
Guaifenesin Protocol, the treatment regimen
developed by R. Paul St. Amand, M.D.
and his assistant Claudia Marek.
Although their success was obvious, the medical community required more
rigorous evidence. There was an obvious and urgent need for credible
research in something other than expensive drugs to treat symptoms.
Fibromyalgia exists. It is genetic and there is no cure. However, like diabetes and other chronic illnesses
it can be treated and managed. R. Paul St. Amand, M.D., Associate Clinical
Professor of Medicine, Harbor UCLA, along with many other physicians
across the US have successfully treated thousands of their patients
using guaifenesin, an old and once inexpensive drug. Although reams of
clinical evidence exist on the success of guaifenesin in treating
fibromyalgia, tightly controlled and credible research is required for
full acceptance. This
could easily be done by a drug company, but since guaifenesin is now
over the counter no company stands to profit. As a result, it has been difficult to interest any corporation in undertaking
the project.
At the present time we are working with two research teams at The
City of Hope in Duarte, California to do the necessary work. The
Fibromyalgia Treatment Center has now donated $300,000.
Yet, our most important contributors
to this multi-year project are fibromyalgia
patients, their friends and families.
Our first publication was made in June 2008
and there are two more papers in the works. All progress will be
posted on this site and our companion board:
www.fibromyalgiatreatment.com/board.
So all this is about spreading HOPE!