We continue this year's theme of looking at the connection between social isolation and chronic pain with October's Story of the Month. Woman In Pain Ellen Lenox-Smith didn't get her diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome until she was 54, but that didn't stop the disease from taking away so much she cherished. As pain and disability mounted, she spent more time inside and alone, left to watch those she loved carry on. But you can't keep the good ones down as Ellen now fights for EDS awareness, cannabis use for pain management and much more.

For Grace is proud to have championed an in-depth, 2000+ word article in Canada's leading legacy news outlet that features chronic pain and real life individuals who are impacted. For Grace founder Cynthia Toussaint consulted on this article and provided the four people with pain who are featured. The writer, Karen Hawthorne, reached out to Cynthia the day after she lost her beloved mother - and she's dedicating this article to her. "Pain: Chronic Suffering Hidden In Plain Sight" delves deeply into the chronic pain experience along with emerging therapies that provide hope for a community that is often overlooked and dismissed. A big THANK YOU to Karen at National Post's Healthing section for this bright spotlight during pain awareness month.

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.