Gustavus Adolphus College

Sophomore Jen Syverson suffers from Fibromyalgia.

Gustavus Adolphus College sophomore Jen Syverson has been living with Fibromyalgia since early childhood. Now, almost 15 years after her original diagnosis, Syverson is aiming to educate people about the condition and raise funds for research purposes.

As part of a class project on civic engagement, Syverson has coordinated a Fibromyalgia Awareness Dinner and Silent Auction event that will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lakeville, Minn.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome that affects three to six percent of the general population. Typically, victims of Fibromyalgia suffer from muscle, joint, and/or bone pain, fatigue, stiffness, and wide range of other symptoms. Currently there is no universally accepted cure for Fibromyalgia.

“This is something that I am passionate about because I was diagnosed when I was six,” Syverson said. “I want to be able to make change and educate people on this life-altering disease. I think this will give people who suffer from Fibromyalgia a sense of hope.”

Syverson developed the idea for the event through coursework in her Public Discourse class taught by communication studies instructor Kristofer Kracht. Syverson and her classmates were presented with a project where they were asked to identify a problem within the community and then propose a solution to go about solving the problem.

The event is open to the public and all funds raised will go to the National Fibromyalgia Association for research. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students, and $3 for children under 10. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by e-mailing Syverson at jsyverso@gustavus.edu.