For Grace's planning committee is putting the final touches on our next conference slated for (dependent on our founder's health) September 2023. This event will focus on trauma as a driver for chronic pain and Post-Traumatic Growth as a positive outcome. "The Trauma-Pain Connection: Finding a Path to Growth" will be staged in three parts: trauma and how it can lead to pain, techniques and strategies for releasing trauma, and reaching PTG. Infused through our day will be a real-time ACE test, trauma release exercises and calming, nature-immersion breakouts.
Check out For Grace's July Story of the Month! Henry Contreras had already been wrangling with disabling chronic pain resulting from a job-related injury when colon cancer came knocking. Though grateful for a successful surgery, Henry experienced far greater pain due to the procedure. When he asked his physicians how to manage this "double scoop", he was frustrated by their ignorance about what to do. Fortunately, the surgical pain lessened with time. Still, Henry wishes doctors better recognized how cancer treatment can adversely impact preexisting chronic pain.
Work is progressing nicely on For Grace's legislative effort for a proposed 2023 bill, one that will mandate Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid system) to cover a number of integrative pain therapies (massage, yoga, biofeedback, physical therapy, Gym Rx, etc.) We've had in-depth meetings with our potential author and have collected excellent feedback from our healthcare policy advisor team that sprang from For Grace's 2019 Sacramento Capitol briefing. We now look to crafting our bill proposal for next year's session consideration and are optimistic for positive change SOON!
Check out For Grace's June Story of the Month as we explore the connection between chronic pain and cancer. Jenny Picciotto was looking forward to retirement with days full of hobbies and time with her husband. Then a foot injury lead to CRPS, and her life became a full-time search to regain wholeness. Just when acceptance and cognitive-reframing brought relief, a breast cancer dx started a new chapter of challenge, including more pain. Still, Jenny encourages all to "experience the incredible beauty and tender frailty of this terrific and terrifying journey called life."
