In The News
- Clearing up 12 common myths about medical cannabis for pain
- Pain Warrior of the Month: Ernest Merritt III
- Pediatric pain warrior retreat registration now open
Ellen Lenox Smith is Co-Director of Medical Cannabis for U.S. Pain and a U.S. Pain Board Member. She lives with two rare conditions: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and sarcoidosis. After years of struggling to find pain relief without side effects or adverse reactions, she discovered medical cannabis.
A retired school teacher, Ellen is now a renowned patient advocate and works tirelessly to encourage safe, fair access to all treatment options, particularly medical cannabis. She has spoken at numerous conferences on cannabis access and been featured widely in the media on the topic. She is also the author of two books: It Hurts Like Hell!: I Live With Pain—And Have A Good Life Anyway and My Life as a Service Dog.
City & state: Saco, ME
Age: 55
Pain warrior role: U.S. Pain advocate since 2014
What type of health conditions you live with: Chronic back pain, narcolepsy, migraines
Favorite tip for others with chronic pain: Each person living with a chronic condition has a hidden talent; find it, and you can build your self-worth back and become part of your community again. Our new families are the people that support us on good days and bad.
Our second Pediatric Pain Warrior retreat is quickly approaching, and registration is open. The retreat will be held at the ultra-accessible fun park, Morgan’s Wonderland. Morgan’s Wonderland is located in San Antonio, TX, and is specially designed for people of all abilities. The retreat will be held May 24-26.
“Our goal is to bring young people living with pain and their families together, to educate them, and help them connect to other pain warriors and their families,” says Director of Pediatric Pain Warrior Program, Casey Cashman. Cashman continues saying, “Morgan’s Wonderland provides the perfect opportunity to our pain warriors to enjoy their weekend without the barriers they normally face.”
EMBARK UPON YOUR JOURNEY
It starts here
Want to become the voice of hope and empowerment, as well as create pain awareness and support in your local community?
Become a U.S. Pain Foundation Ambassador & Advocacy leader.
CONNECT WITH PAIN WARRIORSLooking to connect with others going through the same challenges?
Join Pain Connection, which offers in-person support groups and free conference call support groups three times a month.
PROGRAMS
A Few U.S. Pain Programs
INvisible Project
The INvisible Project uses photography and story to illustrate the struggles of those living with pain and chronic medical conditions.
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Learn About Your Pain
Learn about Your Pain is a comprehensive guide to the multitude of conditions that cause pain.
Learn More >
Take Control Of Your Pain
Take Control Of Your Pain are patient-education days for pain warriors and care champions to learn tools to empower them to take control of their personal pain and medical journeys.
Learn More>
Pain Medicine 411
Pain Medicine 411 shares credible information regarding medication safety.
Learn More >
ALL PROGRAMS
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Our Commitment to You
An organization created by people with pain for people with pain, U.S. Pain recognizes and validates the challenges 50 million Americans endure every day. We strive to be the leading source of support for those living with pain, as well as their caregivers and care providers.
U.S. Pain is here to offer hope, information, and stories and to honor those whose lives have been affected by pain.