Today is International Women’s Day which celebrates the rights of women worldwide - and to honor this worthy day, For Grace founder Cynthia Toussaint has consulted on and is featured in an eye-opening article that focuses on women being dismissed in healthcare which is running in National Post, Canada’s leading legacy media publication. Penned by Angelica Bottera, the piece illuminates the struggles women go through to be advocates for themselves in broken healthcare systems while spreading awareness of this dilemma that affects countless women across the globe.

Chronic pain and social isolation make for strange bedfellows, and so it is with For Grace's March Story of the Month as we continue to explore this intersection. Woman In Pain Sara Gehrig knows both loneliness and being alone, but she approaches them as different sides of the same coin. Sara sees being alone as an essential part of her pain management, that quieting the mind and resting her body promotes wellness. Loneliness comes when her pain is misunderstood by loved ones and is dismissed with comments like "but you look good." By giving herself the gifts of self-care and compassion, Sara can embrace loneliness as her companion, while not feeling alone.

For Grace's Women In Pain Nation Project moves into its second year, growing by leaps and bounds, while telling it like it is for a community often marginalized. Through "Thoughts of the Day" videos and "Hot Take" interviews, For Grace leaders Cynthia Toussaint and John Garrett peel back the chronic pain experience, giving new insights, advice and wisdom on ways to stay healthy, well and connected. As the Nation expands worldwide via multiple social media platforms, more women are finding out they're not alone - and that there is hope for better days ahead.

For Grace continues to move ahead with this year's Pain Awareness Month and Women In Pain Awareness Day resolution - but with a change that brings new light and energy to this cause for people with pain in California. Our new sponsor for this 22-year-in-row effort is State Senator Sasha Renee Perez who represents areas recently devastated by the LA wildfires.  Previous reso sponsors include Senator Carol Liu, Senator Sheila Kuehl and Senator Hannah Beth Jackson.