I am reaching out to our community to ask for your help. First let me start by introducing myself. My name is Mary Reitano and my husband Mike and I are lifelong Tewksbury residents as our children and extended family. We have two daughters Kiley- 18 & Mackenzie-13. Our oldest daughter Kiley is a senior at TMHS. Most wouldn't know this because she has missed 75% of her high school years and 90% of her senior year due to her medical conditions. Kiley suffers from Hashimotos Disease, Endometriosis and Fibromyalgia. Three chronic diseases all of which there is NO cure. Kiley suffers from wide spread chronic pain all over her body 24/7, 365 days of the year. This is not like "acute" pain that you can pop a pill or use a cream to magically feel better. She uses acupuncture to help for short term relief, and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Our biggest fight and accomplishment is that we have been working with the National Fibromyalgia Association and the State of Massachusetts alongside our Governor Charlie Baker. Last year and this year with our efforts we have been able to have the Governor Proclaim May 12 National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. We have encouraged people to wear the color purple on this day to show their support for our daughter and the countless others suffering from this invisible disease. We are heading to the State House next week and I'd love nothing more then to show our Governor and staff how our community came together for Kiley and others. So I ask that you wear purple of some sort, shirts, socks, tie, earrings, headband ANYTHING and then take a picture and send it to me or tag me. Last year was humbling of how many came together and I want this year to be even more. I know we are a strong knit community and can do this. Thank you from our family and all suffers for your help. #fibrostrong #kileystrong
