Location: North Royalton, OH

Pain warrior role: U.S. Pain ambassador since 2013

Pain conditions: Full body reflex sympathetic dystrophy, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, fibromyalgia, dysautonomia, chronic fatigue syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, dystonia, gastroparesis, diabetes, narcolepsy, myoclonic jerks, deep vein thombosis, and neurovascular dystrophy.

Favorite tips for living with chronic pain: “I start off my support group with some advice to our newbies. I tell them and remind ourselves that we need to grieve for the old you. Most of us, especially those with debilitating injury or illness, those of us whose lives changed dramatically find it very difficult to accept these changes. To ask for help. To NEED help daily and to those who are extremely independent. LET IT GO! The quicker you do, you will have enough energy to find the NEW and IMPROVED YOU!”

Fun fact: “I am an amateur ornithologist (a person who studies birds)!”

Lynda Louise Avallone has worked to raise awareness and provide support to other pain warriors since she began living with chronic pain. She runs a monthly support group and believes that “education is the key” to beginning a dialogue for understanding for chronic pain patients.