Support US Pain Foundation: I'm walking 5k for Chronic Pain

I am "walking" or "wheelchairing" the Pumpkins in the Park 5k this weekend in Rochester, NY with two crazy friends.

I want to raise money for the US Pain Foundation—an organization that supports the chronic pain/chronic illness community with FREE services for all. They provide support groups, pediatric camps, Building Your Toolbox webinars, advocacy through Congress, and more!

I will have a wheelchair because I can't quite walk that far post-surgically—it's been seven months since my last surgery. I have dealt with chronic pain for nineteen years. I am a teacher who was injured in a school fight—12 back surgeries later... here we are. I am a trained national support group leader through US Pain. I attend the daily support group and have built a support network. The US Pain Foundation has given so much to me—an opportunity to meet like-minded pain warriors. A chance to teach expressive writing and talk about articles and feelings. They are so appreciative of their peer leaders. I'd love to give back to them for all the power they've given back to me.

I will make entertaining videos along the way in my costume. Can't tell you what the costume is—it's a surprise. US Pain taught me to have fun anyway—so what if I might need a wheelchair for part of the way. It will release happy endorphins, decrease stress cortisol, and make wonderful memories... even with my disability. It took me a long time to learn how to live a joyful life with pain. #eyesofabronxgirl

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@uspainfoundation