MIDDLETOWN, CT, May 31, 2018 – On Tuesday, May 29, Paul Gileno resigned his position as CEO of U.S. Pain Foundation at the request of the Board of Directors. Nicole Hemmenway, the organization’s current Chair of the Board, has been appointed interim CEO. A search for Gileno’s replacement is being planned.
“The organization is stable and excited to be moving forward on its mission – to empower, educate, connect and advocate for people living with chronic conditions that cause pain,” says Board Member and Secretary Ellen Lenox Smith. ”The Board has complete faith in Nicole and the wonderful staff that makes up our organization. They will continue working hard to improve the lives of people with pain through our programs and services.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Emily Lemiska
Cell phone: 860-748-1349
Email: Emily@uspainfoundation.org
Middletown, Conn. (May 4, 2018)—With the release of its eighth edition of the INvisible Project this month, U.S. Pain Foundation is tackling the stigma of medical cannabis. The issue features the raw but inspiring stories and photos of 10 individuals using cannabis to help manage their chronic health issues.
Is chronic pain interfering with your confidence, emotional well-being, relationships, career? On May 15, U.S. Pain’s volunteer webinar will feature an exclusive Q&A session with entrepreneur, author, and advocate Jenni Grover about thriving despite the challenges of pain.
Grover is the founder of ChronicBabe.com, a support network, coaching program, and blog, through which she draws on more than 15 years of experience with fibromyalgia and other conditions to teach others how to flourish despite health issues. Since 2005, she has taught thousands of women around the world to take charge of their lives through her website, videos, and speeches. She also recently published a book, “ChronicBabe 101: How to Craft an Incredible Life Beyond Illness,” which she will read a brief excerpt from.
City & State: Wasilla, Alaska
Age: 73 years old
Pain Warrior role: Advocate since 2015
What type of health conditions do you live with: Robert was wounded 6 times in Vietnam causing severe chronic pain. He also has rheumatoid arthritis and had surgery for bladder and prostate cancer 3 weeks ago.
What is your favorite tip for others with chronic pain: “I have faith in my Creator”
Fun fact about you: “I am portrayed in a new exhibit at the Newseumby Time-Life photographer John Olson, currently in Washington D.C.”
With the release of its eighth edition of the INvisible Project on April 15, U.S. Pain is tackling the stigma of medical cannabis. The issue features the raw but often inspiring stories and photos of 10 individuals using cannabis to help manage their chronic health issues.
The INvisible Project was first published in 2010 as a way to create more awareness about the trials and triumphs of people living with pain. Last year, an estimated 65,000 copies were distributed. Patients’ stories are also featured on displays, which are then exhibited at conferences and events across the country.
BETHLEHEM, PA, April 28– Terry Craig embraces the nickname “The Disabled Hiker,” but he doesn’t let his chronic pain dictate what he can accomplish. At Saturday’s premiere of his documentary “A Mile In Our Shoes” at Bethlehem’s Northampton Community College, Craig spoke to attendees about some of the lessons he learned during the two years he spent shooting this full-length film.
Milestone events took place on April 3 and 11 as U.S. Pain Foundation hosted a legislative breakfast and two advocacy days, a first for the organization, which previously has hosted them only in collaboration with allied partners. The focus of both days was bills that enhance patient safety by limiting the practice of forced medication switches, known as nonmedical switching.
The April 3 program was held at the Connecticut State Capitol and featured keynote legislative speakers, a panel discussion with patients impacted by health coverage interruptions, and a summary of legislation proposed this session. Rep. Michelle Cook and Sen. Heather Somers, cosponsors of Senate Bill 379, addressed those in attendance at the breakfast, with Cook revealing her personal experience with nonmedical switching.
This is an extremely busy time on Capitol Hill for legislation aimed at reducing opioid abuse and addiction. No less than four key committees with jurisdiction over health policy- Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), Senate Finance, House Energy and Commerce and House Ways and Means are hard at work on comprehensive new opioid legislation with a goal of completing efforts before Memorial Day and then sending legislation to the floor of each chamber in June.
U.S. Pain is dedicated to providing dozens of programs and services free of charge to the pain community. In order to do that, we rely on grants and charitable donations. One of our primary fundraisers is our annual Real Hope, Real Heroes gala, a night of fun, food, and dancing, which honors people with pain. This year’s event will be held in Scottsdale, AZ, on June 2. Tickets are on sale now.