This year we've been focusing on stories that connect chronic pain and social isolation - and so it is with our November Story of the Month. After losing her mom at 14, then later losing twins to heart complications, Demeshia Montgomery found herself alone and a "hot mess." Soon thereafter she noticed a serious skin condition that, after years of misdiagnosis, was eventually dx'd as scleroderma. Despite partial amputations and "indescribable" pain, Demeshia found herself unable to attain proven pain relief due to the opioid crisis. Finding better health through self-care and a cause to fight for, Demeshia now advocates for those who need opioids for daily functioning.

Recently For Grace leaders John Garrett and Cynthia Toussaint spent a wonderful day with Board Member Dr. Jane Goodall celebrating her 90th birthday at her Los Angeles Peace Day event. A UN Messenger for Peace, Jane was in town to promote her ongoing Roots & Shoots youth program along with her Vote for Nature movement that encourages all to vote for leaders who support protecting the natural world. Jane continues to find her greatest hope in those who persevere despite great physical challenge - and that includes women in pain throughout the world.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a cause that is near and dear to Team For Grace as our founder Cynthia Toussaint has been fighting Triple Negative Breast Cancer since 2020. In the same vein of her work to highlight healthcare's failing of women in pain, Cynthia sees many breast cancer patients plagued with over-treatment, lack of individualized care and not having a voice in their treatment. As such, she collaborated on Healing and Cancer, a book that promotes whole person care for better outcomes. To help highlight the book, Cynthia will be speaking with its co-author, Dr. Alyssa McManamon, on an upcoming Women In Pain Nation Hot Take interview.

Autumn has arrived - and with that For Grace continues our monthly women in pain stories that focus on the connection between chronic pain and social isolation. Radio broadcaster Nicole Smith has had her share of hard knocks, one of them being chronic pain from a host of conditions. She points out powerfully that one of the costs of pain that never leaves is loneliness. Not one to be knocked down and out, Nicole fights back with strong faith, music, connection to family and friends, a great pain management team and being of service to others. That's a winning combo!