For Grace continues its series of Share Your Story's that take a look at the connection between chronic pain and isolation. With this month's special story that celebrates September as Pain Awareness Month, US Pain Foundation CEO Nicole Hemmenway recalls managing a mysterious pain condition (later dx'd as CRPS) in her late teens and early adulthood that derailed her life. Though friends and family hung in there with her, Nicole felt alone with her pain, referring to it as "an island that no bridge could reach." Her CRPS is in remission - and she now leads the charge to bring more understanding via US Pain's campaign, "Unmasking Pain."

Deuces are wild on September 1st as For Grace is celebrating  Women In Pain Awareness Day and Pain Awareness Month in California! Serving as sponsor for the 22nd year-in-a-row, the resolution (HR 51), authored by Assemblymember Nick Schultz (Burbank), will once again bring much needed awareness to state policy makers about chronic pain as a serious public health issue along with the gender bias women experience in their pain management. Across the nation in September, advocacy organizations will shine a spotlight on the plight of people struggling with persistent pain - and For Grace is proud to lead the charge in the Golden State!

Dealing with the ups and downs of chronic pain is not just one person's burden to bear. More times than not, there's a significant other who helps one get through the day. To acknowledge this "dance", For Grace is kicking off a new project under its Women In Pain Nation banner. Dubbed "Partners In Pain", WIPN leaders Cynthia Toussaint and John Garrett will interview a fellow person in pain along with their caregiver to talk about the challenges, pitfalls and silver-linings of the lived chronic pain experience. Check in this week as we post our first Partners In Pain interview with pain advocacy champions Tom Norris and Marianne Muellerleile!

Good news from Sacramento! For Grace's resolution proclaiming September as Pain Awareness Month and September 1st as Women In Pain Day was introduced on July 17th. According  to Assemblymember Nick Schultz's office, HR 51 will get a Rules Committee hearing on August 18th, and it's expected to pass on the Floor's Consent Calendar August 29th. This will be For Grace's 22nd year in a row effort - and we extend a warm thanks to Leg Director Jim Metropolus for making sure this much needed information reaches policy makers.