For Grace founder Cynthia Toussaint just laid down a track for a song compilation project that aims to depict the power of the expressive arts to spark wellness and inspire women in pain to pursue their joys while reaching for their dreams. A Natalie Merchant deep cut classic, Cynthia recorded “Life Is Sweet”, a song that speaks to her choice to move beyond a trauma-filled year. This theme fits well into the project’s overarching message of self-empowerment and resilience. Until this album is completed, enjoy For Grace’s previous music projects, Wonder and Crazy. 

Simon & Schuster, publisher's of Dr. Sanjay Gupta's new book about chronic pain, sent an advance copy to For Grace founder Cynthia Toussaint asking for her feedback as a four-decade+ sufferer of high impact pain and a leader in the pain community. After reading the book It Doesn't Have to Hurt, Cynthia was impressed, among many things, by Gupta's strong acknowledgment of the gender bias in pain care as well as how early childhood trauma can be a driver for chronic pain later in life. She highly recommends the book and will partner with Gupta's PR team to shine a bright light on this resource that empowers people with pain.

For Grace continues its series of Share Your Story's that take a look at the connection between chronic pain and isolation. With this month's special story that celebrates September as Pain Awareness Month, US Pain Foundation CEO Nicole Hemmenway recalls managing a mysterious pain condition (later dx'd as CRPS) in her late teens and early adulthood that derailed her life. Though friends and family hung in there with her, Nicole felt alone with her pain, referring to it as "an island that no bridge could reach." Her CRPS is in remission - and she now leads the charge to bring more understanding via US Pain's campaign, "Unmasking Pain."

Deuces are wild on September 1st as For Grace is celebrating  Women In Pain Awareness Day and Pain Awareness Month in California! Serving as sponsor for the 22nd year-in-a-row, the resolution (SR 51), authored by Assemblymember Nick Schultz (Burbank), will once again bring much needed awareness to state policy makers about chronic pain as a serious public health issue along with the gender bias women experience in their pain management. Across the nation in September, advocacy organizations will shine a spotlight on the plight of people struggling with persistent pain - and For Grace is proud to lead the charge in the Golden State!