Take a look at For Grace's June Story of the Month as we continue to explore the connection between chronic pain and social isolation, with a focus on the caregiver POV. John Garrett has been a caregiver to a woman in pain for 43 years and he's experienced every conceivable part of that journey. Included in that millieu is profound isolation which, in this sharing, he breaks down into three categories. Despite the loneliness that comes with caregiving, Garrett says he wouldn't do it any other way, as caring for someone you love can be "an incredible high."

Women in pain can't get enough good information about their pain conditions and treatments, and For Grace was happy to be part of a wonderful effort to do just that. Healing Works Foundation, headed up by director Dr. Wayne Jonas, has just released an updated 2025 version of their "Women and Pain: Taking Control and Finding Relief" pocket guide which is chock-full of holistic, whole person pain management approaches and therapies. For Grace consulted in collaboration with other leading voices on the women in pain front - and we certainly encourage you to download a copy of this invaluable, informational guide here.

Check out For Grace founder Cynthia Toussaint's most recent "The Fire Within" blog post where she shares a bittersweet remembrance of her mother, her hero, who recently passed. Revised from a presentation given at her church on Mother's Day, Cynthia writes about her beloved mom who forever shared a generous brand of light and love despite her many misfortunes and traumas, a mother who fought fiercely alongside her daughter who took on a cruel, misogynistic healthcare system that labeled her pain problem as all in her head. And in a moving story about 9/11, Cynthia brings us close to a woman who rocked hope in the darkest of times, who's love will forever push her daughter forward. Here's a link to this heart-tugging post.

For Grace's 22nd year of proclaiming September as Pain Awareness Month and September 1st as Women In Pain Awareness Day in California is marked with change! Taking over the reigns as author is Assemblymember Nick Schultz, a first term legislator out of the San Fernando Valley. Earlier this year we announced Senator Sasha Perez heading this effort, but she had to step aside due to her district being impacted by the recent wildfires. A big THANK YOU to Assemblymember Schultz and staffer Jim Metropulos for your care in the 11th hour to bring the plight of Californians with chronic pain to policy makers and legislative leadership.