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LOGAN, Utah, Sept 4, 2017 -- The National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association announced today that Nancy Ryan has accepted the position as director of the Leaders Against Pain Action Network (LAPAN). She served as associate director for LAPAN since August 2016 and moves into a five-year appointment as director.

"I couldn't be happier to pass the torch to such an inspiring leader," said Sabrina Numann, the immediate past director for LAPAN. Nancy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to LAPAN, noted Numann.

Nancy founded Fibromyalgia Fight Club, a support group for people affected by the life-altering disease. Serving people in Arlington, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, the group is organized on Meetup. As a patient collaborator on several book chapters with researchers and thought leaders in the pain field, Nancy's perspectives have represented the large patient community with fairness and insights.

"Nancy brings the strength of her personal experiences and knowledge from years of study of fibromyalgia to LAPAN," said Jan Chambers, NFCPA president. "Our first conversation was about FM science—we are both serious students."

LAPAN is the volunteer advocacy arm of the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association (NFCPA). Ryan completed the 2014 Leaders Against Pain Scholarship Training in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has supported NFCPA at professional meetings with private organizations and federal agencies. As co-chair of the Together Walks sponsored by NFCPA, she was instrumental in helping organizers raise more than $10,000 for fibromyalgia research.

"I look forward to supporting Nancy in her new role as director. She is confidently poised to add her creativity and thoughtful approaches to find solutions to the serious challenges our community faces," said Cindy Sharp, NFCPA Vice-president of Leadership.

Nancy lives in Arlington with her husband, Mark, and Suzy, the sweet and furry, four-legged member of their family.