We strongly recommend that you check out For Grace's April Story of the Month as we continue our sharings that knit chronic pain and trauma. Author Diana Whitney was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystisis in 2003 after a year of excruciating pelvic pain.  Besides using conventional treatments, Diana enlisted the assistance of bodyworkers and holistic healers who explored previous pelvic-region trauma as her pain's root. Now pain-free, Diana is giving voice to the young woman's experience, and is "determined to be honest and open, to model self-love and resilience, and to see myself as a survivor, not a victim." Her new book, You Don't Have to Be Everything, is an Amazon best seller, receiving accolades from Time  and the Boston Globe among  others.

Great news for Women In Pain in the Golden State! We received word last night that Senator Maria Elena Durazo will be authoring For Grace's 2021 resolution - one that will proclaim September as Pain Awareness Month and September 24th as Women In Pain Awareness Day (to coincide with our virtual "Pain-Cancer Connection" conference.)  This was no small feat given the legislative focus being almost exclusively on COVID-related business. This will be For Grace's 18th resolution in 19 years as 2020's was dropped due to the pandemic. Good to be back on track!

Check out For Grace's inspiring March Story of the Month. Woman In Pain Romona Johnson was having a fine life until arthroscopic surgery led to intense burning pain in her knee. As is too often the case, Romona's complaints of spreading, worsening pain were dismissed by her surgeon. She was later diagnosed  with RSD/CRPS by a caring MD, but, sadly, by that time her life was in ruins. Instead of giving up, she returned to doing art which gave her joy and meaning. In fact, Romona now donates her art to those in need of comfort, adding, "painting helps me escape the pain."

For Grace leadership has decided to temporarily lessen work as its founder Cynthia Toussaint's breast cancer has returned. Day-to-day activities such as social media engagement and communications will continue at levels that can be accommodated - and decisions about long term projects (including our monthly live stream at The Mighty and our 2021 conference) will be decided appropriately. Rest assured, For Grace will continue to support our Women In Pain community to the best of our abilities as we persevere through these challenging times...