Aldergrove's Fibromyalgia Well Spring Foundation thrift store celebrated its 18th anniversary on Friday, July 26. 

Cheryl Young founded the charity in 2009 with the goal of raising awareness and funds to support others with fibromyalgia as they explore alternate forms of healing. 

Young herself was diagnosed in 1992. 

"This disorder is really dangerous since it frequently attacks high achievers, hindering their productivity," she shared. 

One symptom Young gives as an example is the high and low mood swings, which can often interfere with the ability to work. 

A challenge many with fibromyalgia face in addition to symptoms is the stigma around the invisible illness. 

"Since its not an obvious disability, other people often make us feel we are useless," Young noted. 

After her own years of struggle and a slow healing journey, Young said she learned it's important to practice positive self talk when feeling low and be willing to change your life. 

"Take one day at a time," she advised. 

Young founded her charity alongside her partner Nigel Thom also to give fellow patients hope "that their life is worth living," she said. 

The thrift store originally opened in 91Ô­´´ City, but moved to Aldergrove in 2017.

Earlier this year, it moved to a new location at 27540 Fraser Hwy., and is open Mondays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays until 3 p.m. 

While Young and Thom were excited for the new space, she said the store hasn't been doing as well. 

"We lost all our wonderful walk-in customers," she said. 

Thom said the extra blocks to walk make a huge difference for senior customers. 

Young said they will have to make some decisions in the coming months. 

"We're just doing what we need to do to make our 18th year better," she said. 

They still operate the warehouse at #2-26004 Fraser Hwy., which was initially opened in 2022 to meet the need for larger furniture in the local community, but Young said it isn't holding up as well as it used to.

"Since we opened it, other avenues have opened up in Aldergrove to meet that need of disposing furniture or buying at a discount, so there will be decisions made on that this year too." 

The warehouse also has vintage books and vintage dolls on its second floor. 

A long-term goal of the foundation is to provide supportive living to people suffering with fibromyalgia.

Young also said more volunteers are always welcome, and those interested can reach out via email to info@fibromyalgiawellspringfoundation.org.

To learn more, people can also visit: .