Creating Pain Awareness Through Photography

We received this information from the CT Pain Foundation and thought you may be interested!

Nearly seventy-five million Americans deal with pain. Chronic pain is an all-encompassing problem that knows no boundaries. It affects the poor and the rich, the young and the old, male and female. No race, class or age is spared from its debilitating hold.

In a sense, pain is the invisible disease. Pain is intangible, subjective and personal. Each person has a different level of tolerance and a personal way of defining pain’s intensity. As a result, many people with pain face judgment and ridicule. Pain leaves people feeling unheard, misunderstood and alone. It often goes untreated and underfunded.

CT Pain Foundation, a nonprofit, is dedicated to creating chronic pain awareness, empowering survivors and generating change. The INvisible Project is aimed at accomplishing all three.

September 30, 2010 in New York City
October 21, 2010 in Connecticut

The INvisible Project is a photojournalistic showcase of the day-to-day experiences of real people with chronic pain. To reflect the widespread effects of pain, a variety of conditions are represented, including cancer, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, juvenile arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia.

The goal is to make visible the experiences and strength that are often hidden behind the walls of hospitals and bedrooms. The INvisible Project will contrast the fragility of our physical bodies with the immense fortitude of spirit essential to living each and every day.

To raise awareness and funds, the photos and stories of the ten INvisible Project participants will be on display at the Times Square Intercontinental in New York City on September 30, 2010. As September is National Pain Awareness month, the INvisible Project is determined to spread awareness, create advocacy and ___ patient rights. The second event is scheduled October 21, 2010 at the Westport Play House in Westport, Connecticut.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will directly help those living with pain. To expand its programs and support groups, seventy percent of the raised proceeds will go to CT Pain Foundation. The remaining thirty percent will fund chronic pain research.

It is the mission of the INvisible Project to validate the suffering while highlighting the strength and courage of chronic pain survivors.

About CT Pain Foundation:
CT Pain Foundation is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization serving persons with pain, their families and care providers. Founded in 2006, CT Pain Foundation promotes healthy support groups and other positive, hands-on programs for those living with pain.

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