For Immediate Release
14 April 2005
Contact: Corin Walson (714) 921-0150
National Fibromyalgia Association

"RANDY’S RACE"
Man with fibromyalgia risks health to raise awareness of "woman’s illness"
at 25^th Annual Super Chevy Show
POMONA, Calif---- "Men have fibromyalgia, too. Not just women!"

That is the message Randy Wold has been telling as many people as he can ever since he was diagnosed in 2001 with fibromyalgia, the chronic pain disorder many consider a "woman’s illness" since almost 90 percent of the 10 million people diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women.

Wold also wants to let men know that despite its physically debilitating effects, fibromyalgia need not rob them of their "manliness."

"Having fibromyalgia definitely has affected my self-esteem as a man, but we can still do a lot of things that help us keep our male identity and quality of life," Wold explained. "It might not be the life you thought you’d have, but you can’t stop living."

On April 30, Wold will have a chance to share his message with up to 40,000 people when the 53-year-old Cypress resident competes in the 25th Annual Super Chevy Show at the Pomona Raceway-Fairplex.

Wold is an experienced racer riding under the "Purple Reign" banner with his brothers since he was 17 years old. But as a person with fibromyalgia, he also knows the physical repercussions, especially after a grueling quarter-mile drag race with speeds up to 135 mph. To Wold, it’s a price he is willing to pay.

"I always have a ‘flare’ (period of amplified symptoms, including widespread muscle pain, headaches, fatigue, sleeplessness) after strenuous activity, or sometimes just a round of golf will knock me out for a few days, but if this is what it takes to let people know about fibromyalgia, then I’m willing to risk the consequences," said Wold.

Wold, a member of the board of directors of the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA), also hopes to raise money for the nonprofit organization.

"Randy is just one of those courageous individuals who is willing to step out of the box to help raise awareness of fibromyalgia, especially for the men who are not always willing to admit they have this illness," said Lynne Matallana, president and founder of the National Fibromyalgia Association, which is one of Wold's sponsors in the race.

"Randy and his Purple Reign Racing team live with chronic pain everyday and still compete," said Grant R. Johnson, president and COO of Swiss Medica, Inc., another sponsor which will be launching their new product 024^TM Fibromyalgia in June. "It's important to support people who prove it can be done, as well as a great opportunity for 024^TM to be in front of millions of race fans."

RANDY WOLD BIO

• Born: June 15, 1951
• Place of Birth: Moorhead, Minnesota
• Resident of Cypress, CA: Since 1959
• Former Owner: Brothers 3 Garage, Cypress, CA
• Quit working in 2001 after 30 years
• Children: Heather, 34, Justin, 33, Thaddius, 31, Steven, 29; 8 grandchildren
• Wife: Janice, Married 23 years
• Racing Experience: Racing since age 17; won many races but never trophied;
• SuperChevy Show – Randy competed in 2004, won two races and advanced to next day, but was too sick to race. Jerry (Randy’s brother) competed in his place.
• Car driving in race: 1979 Camaro Z-28
• Sponsors of Randy Wold: National Fibromyalgia Association, Swiss Medica, and ProHealth

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FIBROMYALGIA ASSOCIATION

The National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) is a nonprofit [501 (c (3)] organization whose mission is to develop and execute programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia. The NFA concentrates on patient support and informational services, awareness outreach, physician continuing medical education and research. The NFA produces educational materials, sponsors CME and patient conferences, hosts a web site www.FMaware.org, and publishes Fibromyalgia AWARE, the first and only consumer magazine for people with fibromyalgia, chronic pain and other invisible illnesses.

ABOUT SWISS MEDICA

Swiss Medica, Inc., headquartered in Toronto, Canada, commercializes proprietary bioscience products that relieve ailments, including the non-doping essential oil product line called 024^TM Fibromyalgia in June to help sufferers of fibromyalgia. For more information, visit www.swissmedica.com and www.024zone.com.

FIBROMYALGIA AWARENESS DAY - May 12, 2005

On May 12, 2005, the National Fibromyalgia Association will commemorate "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day" with a Fashion Show and Press Conference in Orange, California at 11 a.m. The event is sponsored by the NFA and WalkStyles, Inc. "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day" is a widely celebrated, high-profile media event observed by the millions of Americans with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain illnesses. For additional information and Awareness Day activities, visit www.FMaware.org .

MORE INFORMATION

For more information on the National Fibromyalgia Association, or to schedule an interview with Randy Wold, please call Corin Walson at 714.921.0150 or email: Corin Walson.

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