Location: Dayton, Ohio

Age: 51

Pain warrior role: Advocate and chronic pain support group leader since 2017

Conditions: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and osteoarthritis.

Favorite tip: “Finding a good support group has really helped my mental health. Whether it’s online with Pain Connection or in person, feeling understood is very beneficial. Look at multiple ways to approach pain, such as meditation, physical therapy, and counseling is useful.”

Fun fact: “Since my husband’s in the Air Force, we have lived in five different states since getting married 26 years ago. Indiana, Virginia, Texas, Maryland, and Ohio have different cultures but all have welcoming people and allies.”

Mary Beth has been an active volunteer for several years. She has made a lasting impact through the Pain Connection program, where she has been an invaluable resource both in terms of leading groups and assisting with Pain Connection website updates. She first attended a Pain Connection support group training in 2017, and subsequently led a support group in Maryland for a year before moving to Texas. In 2019, she began leading a monthly Pain Connection call-in support group, and was recently appointed as the the Pain Connection Live group coordinator, creating content for the group’s monthly topics. Mary Beth is aways willing and eager to lend a helping hand and tackles challenges with a smile—despite living with daily pain. Thank you, Mary Beth, for all you do!