Kiley Reitano, MBA

I began advocating for Fibromyalgia awareness in 2014, just over a year after my symptoms started to intensify. My initial effort was a simple article in my local newspaper, which elicited a significant number of positive responses. As a sophomore in high school at the time, I was astounded to receive letters and emails not only from peers dealing with similar issues but also from adults much older than myself. The impact of my advocacy on others ignited a profound realization of my passion—I was driven to help people. This sense of purpose became my most potent coping mechanism, transforming a challenging personal situation into an opportunity to assist others in overcoming their struggles.

The tattoo on my left arm

Boston Children's Hospital's Pain Clinic has been instrumental in shaping my path. The exceptional care and support from the dedicated doctors at the clinic were pivotal in my journey. My engagement with the clinic reached a significant milestone when I "graduated" and was invited to serve as a guest speaker for their support group. This involvement led to my being honored with the 'Pain Treatment Service Youth Mentorship Award' on two occasions. There is no greater reward than being recognized by the very individuals who have contributed most significantly to my development.

My name is Kiley Reitano, and I manage three chronic illnesses. Diagnosed at the age of 14, I quickly realized that my experiences diverged significantly from those of my peers. Navigating the complexities of Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, and an autoimmune disease has presented numerous challenges, accompanied by both highs and lows. Through these experiences, I've been driven by a determination to harness these challenges for positive personal growth. My goal has been to transform adversity into strength, steadfastly refusing to let my illnesses define my potential.

First article written about raising awarness

Article written my a classmate during my Senior year

"Kiley Reitano has a story to tell. She wants to break the silence behind illnesses that are difficult to diagnose and challenging to treat. She wants to shed light on the struggle behind illnesses that some consider “imaginary” because they can’t be seen." -The Town Crier; tewksbury & Wilmington, MA

My award from the pain clinic at BCH from 2015 and then received it again in 2018

The proclamation from Governor Charles Baker 

Due to my dedicated efforts in raising awareness, Fibromyalgia Day was officially proclaimed from 2016 to 2022 and received recognition from the Governor of Massachusetts. Receiving this acknowledgment remains one of my proudest achievements. Living with an invisible illness presents numerous challenges, so having my condition acknowledged and my voice heard is an experience I will always cherish.