Various studies have found that women are more likely to suffer from chronic pain diseases, suffer more severe pain and tolerate pain less well than men.  Despite a growing body of information about chronic pain, however, many women still report that doctors often dismiss their pain as being “hormonal” or “all in their head.” Too often, the recommended “treatment” is sedatives, anti-depressants or referrals for psychiatric counseling.  In short, women hurt more and are helped less.

It is estimated that more than 40 million U.S. women are challenged daily with persistent pain.  Without proper medical management, this pain often leads to a lifetime of physical and emotional distress, disability, financial ruin, social isolation and depression.  Suicide is common among women with severe pain. 

For Grace is dedicated to addressing this disturbing trend by empowering women to become better advocates for their pain care, informing heath care professionals about the gender disparity in pain treatment and educating public policy makers.

Our founder, Cynthia Toussaint, was left bedridden for nearly a decade because she was told by her doctors her pain was not real.  She has survived two catastrophic diseases for 26 years in order to tell her story for those who do not have a voice.  Also, For Grace has assembled a Women in Pain Leadership Circle, comprised of national pain experts who can speak about the gender disparity issue from a personal, clinical and research perspective.