For Grace director John Garrett joined Cynthia Toussaint  for part two of an interview with Heart Mojo podcast host Melinda Smith. During this segment, John spoke about his 38-year caregiving journey for someone with high-impact pain (and, more recently, breast cancer) and the tremendous challenges that brings.  Also, he shared tips and insights about how to sustain and grow during trying times as well as emphasizing not losing one's self during this most loving act.    

For Grace's 10th Annual Women In Pain Conference planning committee reconvened last week to start work on our virtual September 24th event which will focus on the intersection between cancer and chronic pain.  This eye-opening day will be divided into four parts - problem, solution, experience and moving on - and will include fun surprises to keep the mood upbeat and lively.  We're  excited to have a roster of world-class speakers to bring this overlooked connection to light.

For Grace spokesperson Cynthia Toussaint joined Heart Mojo podcast host Melinda Smith for a spirited discussion about a range of issues important to women with chronic illness, including  high-impact pain and cancer. Enlightening topics included acceptance, authenticity vs. positivity, the failures of US healthcare, trauma's role in illness, narrative therapy and integrative care.

As a lead up to For Grace's 10th annual Women In Pain conference that will explore the pain-cancer connection, we're re-visiting stories of people involved with the event. First up, webcaster Rich Tamayo's early life was one of being a "Hollywood rich kid" without a care in the world and endless partying. That ended when he felt intense pain, first diagnosed as hemorrhoids, then advanced skin cancer. Rich describes a grueling cancer journey that went on for months, leaving him physically broken and "wishing God to take me now." 29 years later, he runs a successful video/webcasting business, though he is plagued by cancer treatment pain.