Check out For Grace's October Story of the Month. Woman in pain Katy Itacy had a successful law career in her early thirties until excruciating back pain forced her into early retirement. Despite her thinking its cause was a re-emerging childhood spinal tumor, doctors repeatedly said she was wrong, even suggesting her pain was "psychosomatic." Katy eventually found a "tethered-cord syndrome" specialist who confirmed her suspicion; however, it was too little too late. Katy now advocates for herself and others who have been neglected by healthcare professionals.

Join For Grace leaders Cynthia Toussaint and John Garrett as they host this month's episode of "The Trauma Chronicles" that will stream live on The Mighty FB pages Thursday, September 22 at 1pm PT.  Cynthia and John will interview trauma survivor and somatic therapist Mahshid Hager who'll share her amazing survival story as a wartime refugee along with her clinical approach that emphasizes the body just as much as the mind when it comes to trauma integration and recovery. Join us as we explore how the body expresses trauma in this fascinating, compelling conversation.

Last week For Grace leaders tapped their healthcare policy advisory team to craft a proposal that will mandate critical pain care expansion for California's Medi-Cal recipients. This is part of our effort to implement the goals of the National Pain Strategy on a state level that we hope will prove to be a model for the rest of the country. A mid-October deadline for the proposal has been targeted so legislation can be considered for the 2022-2023 session. For Grace is thrilled to be taking the lead in the Golden State on a policy issue that will surely improve the lives of many.    

To help trumpet September as Pain Awareness Month, For Grace has been approached by the prestigious National Academy of Medicine to spotlight an innovative, interactive chronic pain resource for patients and those who work in pain management. Known as the Person-Centered Chronic Pain Journey Map, users will gain a critical understanding of what challenges people face when seeking pain care, along with having access to an extensive library of resources to help find and optimize effective, life-enhancing treatment. For Grace will be sharing this invaluable tool throughout their extensive social media network during Pain Awareness Month and beyond.