Six years ago, after years of misdiagnosis, Darlene Akers was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. She was relieved to have a name for her widespread fatigue and pain, but frustrated to discover that little information existed not only on the illness but also on how to live with fibromyalgia.

Daneen Akers, a graduate of Pacific Union College, watched her family hunt for good information and struggle with the implications of her mother’s chronic illness. The situation convinced her and her husband, Stephen Eyer, to make a documentary about fibromyalgia. They sold their home in San Diego to finance the project, moved to a small studio in San Francisco, and spent the next two years researching, filming, and in production.

On Nov. 28, 2006, the couple premiered their documentary film, "Living with Fibromyalgia," at Chapman University’s Folino Theatre in Orange, Calif. More than 150 people attended the showing, which was hosted by the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA).

The film features Akers in her journey to clarify her mother’s oft-misunderstood illness. She interviews her mother and six other patients, as well as doctors and health-care providers.

Lynne Matallana, president and founder of the National Fibromyalgia Association, who is interviewed in the film, is happy to finally have a story about fibromyalgia on film. “'Living with Fibromyalgia' is the first documentary to explore the most intimate feelings and life-altering experiences of seven individuals living with the daily challenges of fibromyalgia,” said Matallana.

Since the premiere, Akers and Eyer, who both currently teach at PUC, are receiving a steady stream of correspondence from those who have watched the documentary. “People thank us for telling their story and for allowing their family members to finally see their condition in a new light,” says Akers. “They feel validated, empowered, and inspired by the stories in the film... Watching it has given them new purpose and vision.”

The documentary has also given the couple a new sense of purpose in their own lives. As filmmakers, they are committed to creating projects that will make a positive impact and give a voice to those who need it most. Their service-oriented purpose is a value that Eyer feels was instilled in him while attending PUC.

“The values of service and compassion that you learn as a student stick with you throughout your career. My experience as a student made me want to do something that will make a difference in people’s lives,” says Eyer, a film and television instructor.

It’s a value that they now want to instill in their own students. “Going through this experience has allowed me to understand the importance of service, and I’ve tried to incorporate this concept and the intangible rewards of doing worthy work into my classes,” says Akers, who teaches English classes. “I want my students to think about what positive impact they can have on the people in their lives, no matter what their chosen profession.”

The film is available on DVD, and part of the proceeds from sales will go to the NFA. It’s estimated that as many as 8 to 10 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia. For more information on “Living with Fibromyalgia,” visit www.LivingwithFM.com.