Deuces are wild! Twenty-two years ago, For Grace launched its efforts to better the lives of women challenged by chronic pain. The journey has been arduous, but one with a bounty of accomplishment and never-ending hope. With much work still to be done to gain better wellness for our community, this year we turn our focus on overcoming the social isolation that often accompanies the chronic pain experience as well as the healing power of the expressive arts. We've also begun a bold, new project, dubbed Women In Pain Nation, that brings exciting new energy to our efforts. We're holding some great cards - and betting on a banner year!

Check out For Grace's April Story of the Month as we continue to examine the connection between chronic pain and social isolation. Feelings of being an outsider began early for Bonnie Casey. As a child she complained of never-ending leg pain that no one understood. Later in life as pain and fatigue spread throughout her body, Bonnie's fibromyalgia showed no objective signs, further disconnecting her from others as they quipped, "But you look so good!" Currently, Bonnie stays active with a  full-time career and caregiving, but is often spent by 4pm. Her best advice for lonely women in pain - adopt a couple of shelter cats as they make "marvelous company."

Spring has sprung, and so has For Grace's Women In Pain Nation! Hubbed on YouTube, this campaign will feature powerful bi-weekly personal essays, mind-changing interviews and spirited roundtables via social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, Tik Tok and LinkedIn) video posts that will help women in pain and their caregivers be heard, appreciated and empowered. Kicking off the campaign is For Grace founder Cynthia Toussaint's take on her shifting CRPS rules after 41+ years, along with her request for advice. Please link here to view - and welcome to WIPNation!

Lights, camera, action! Research supports that following one's creative passions is a sure bet to less pain and better wellness. Along with singing, For Grace founder Cynthia Toussaint is pursuing professional acting roles in Los Angeles and beyond for several reasons. First, she wants to inspire women in pain to pursue the expressive arts as a path to healing. Also, Cynthia's working to raise the profile of pain and disability in Hollywood. As a wheelchair user, she's banging the drum for authentic disability inclusion while aiming to open doors for our marginalized community.