The day that Phyllis Talarico was interviewed for a TV news segment on fibromyalgia, she told me that she wasn't feeling very well. In fact, the 62 year-old mother and grandmother who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in the early 1990s was in quite a bit of pain that morning.

As I watched the camera man set up his numerous pieces of video equipment in Phyllis's living room, I asked her if she still wanted to do the interview. I knew this story was probably going to be picked up by news stations around the country, but the first and foremost concern for me--and for any PR professional in this situation, I hope---is for the well being of the patient.

But, Phyllis, like many FM patients I've met over the years, was very passionate about raising awareness about this illness. She was just afraid that she "wouldn't do well" on camera and not be the kind of representative for the National Fibromyalgia Association and the fibromyalgia cause that she wanted to be.

Having known Phyllis for a few years now, I knew she wouldn't have this problem.

And, I told her, if it's any consolation, most of these TV interviews are taped, not live. That means you don't have to be perfect the first, second or even third takes. But, you do have very little time to make the kind of impression you want to make. Meaning, you want to come across as sincere because you want viewers to believe you. If they believe you, then chances are they will like you and remember your message.

"It's ok, Phyllis," I told her.  "This is what fibromylagia is and does to a person, and this is what people need to see. Tell them how you feel. Tell them what it's like. Just be yourself."

And Phyllis did just that.

Her taped story, along with interviews of NFA president, Lynne Matallana and Dr. Patrick Wood, has been aired numerous times around the country these past few weeks.

Fibromyalgia is real. And, so are people like Phyllis.