Chronic pain and social isolation make for strange bedfellows, and so it is with For Grace's March Story of the Month as we continue to explore this intersection. Woman In Pain Sara Gehrig knows both loneliness and being alone, but she approaches them as different sides of the same coin. Sara sees being alone as an essential part of her pain management, that quieting the mind and resting her body promotes wellness. Loneliness comes when her pain is misunderstood by loved ones and is dismissed with comments like "but you look good." By giving herself the gifts of self-care and compassion, Sara can embrace loneliness as her companion, while not feeling alone.

For Grace's Women In Pain Nation Project moves into its second year, growing by leaps and bounds, while telling it like it is for a community often marginalized. Through "Thoughts of the Day" videos and "Hot Take" interviews, For Grace leaders Cynthia Toussaint and John Garrett peel back the chronic pain experience, giving new insights, advice and wisdom on ways to stay healthy, well and connected. As the Nation expands worldwide via multiple social media platforms, more women are finding out they're not alone - and that there is hope for better days ahead.

For Grace continues to move ahead with this year's Pain Awareness Month and Women In Pain Awareness Day resolution - but with a change that brings new light and energy to this cause for people with pain in California. Our new sponsor for this 22-year-in-row effort is State Senator Sasha Renee Perez who represents areas recently devastated by the LA wildfires.  Previous reso sponsors include Senator Carol Liu, Senator Sheila Kuehl and Senator Hannah Beth Jackson.

Building on their popular live stream series that covered a number of health and wellness topics at The Mighty, For Grace leaders John Garrett and Cynthia Toussaint are shopping their hosting "sizzle reel"  with a video editor/talent agent that aims to help land a production partnership to procure a larger broadcast platform for a health-oriented show. With their special blend of personal struggle, hope and mirth as a patient and caregiver, Garrett and Toussaint envision a program that keys on knowledge and self-care to live one's best life with chronic illness.