Check out our June Story of the Month as we continue to spotlight comebacks over the dregs of chronic pain. Kai Ocean looked forward to serving her country and joined the Army to do just that. Unfortunately, early in her service, she found herself increasingly isolated due to an emotionally abusive marriage. This, along with battling anxiety from the rigors of military training, soon caused her body to express itself in the form of fibromyalgia. After extracting herself from this toxic relationship while re-engaging with healthy communities and a fulfilling career, Kai now experiences far less pain and enjoys the autonomy that brings her so much wellness.
Team For Grace is urgently asking people with chronic pain and their caregivers in California to contact their state legislators to save a critical pain care therapy from the chopping block. Currently, acupuncture is a covered benefit with the state's Medi-Cal insurance, but Governor Newsom's latest budget proposal strips that away. Acupuncture is an effective, non-opioid pain management tool that has offered relief to hundreds of thousands throughout the state. Please urge your representative to vote YES on SB 944 and AB 1949 by using this letter. Thank You!
Bringing the lived experience to women challenged by chronic pain, For Grace leadership has released their latest Women In Pain Nation video which looks at the load of day-to-day caregiving. This campaign, moving into its third year, will continue to explore topics that are personal and authentic to women with high-impact pain - and this video is no different as Cynthia Toussaint and John Garrett share how guilt-provoking it can be when one person has to do most of the leg work. Link here to watch archive videos from Women In Pain Nation!
Book publisher Harper One asked Team For Grace is review a new book about chronic pain and we were happy to oblige. Acclaimed author Darcey Steinke's fascinating meditation on her own chronic pain experience as well as journeys into other forms of pain (mental, emotional and spiritual) is not a conventional take on the subject. Far from it as she delves deeply into the evolution of how pain has been approached and misunderstood over time, as well as its treatments. Steinke also explores the meaning of suffering and what, if any, benefits can be had from it. Far-ranging and endlessly thought provoking, providing one revelation after another,This Is the Door is a must-read for those who dance intimately with pain in its many forms.
