August Already?!
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Summer has been full so far and I am pleased to share some important milestones with you:
Last week I reached the first major fundraising goal– –nearly 1/3 of the total budget all through grassroots contributions from individuals!– –for the Unshame Pain Video Project.
I'm forging ahead to raise the remaining budget for the Unshame Pain Video Project, connecting with prospective fiscal sponsors and submitting grants. Every cent means getting closer to video creation, optimizing accompanying online resources to be accessible for people with hearing, visual, and other disabilities, and publicity/outreach to maximize impact.
In the process of sharing the Unshame Pain mission as I fundraise people often open up about their pain, "invisible" illnesses, and mental health struggles, which lead to incredibly moving, and deeply human, spontaneous dialogues.
I have been hard at work on a new piece about the multidimensionality of pain, which I will post in September, Pain Awareness Month.
Yes, it's really a thing! Read more here https://theacpa.org/September-is-Pain-Awareness-Month and here http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/stories/september_pain_awareness_month.html
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Ma'ayan petting puppies
I have officially been accepted onto the Canine Companions for Independence waiting list for an assistance dog. It is a rigorous and multi- stepped process to be accepted. To say that I am excited is an understatement!
Summer has been treating me well and I appreciate this time of renewal, even amidst the busyness. I saw a spectacular performance of The Princess Bride, at Alchemia, in which my brother, Zac, played a giant 'possum!
Many appointments! In June I ventured to San Francisco for a UCSF Spine Clinic appointment and enjoyed lunch with my dear friend, Pavini, which always proves rousing.
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Pavini recently launched a new podcast, Bespoken Bones, which I highly recommend:
http://bespokenbones.com/about/
I also want to congratulate
on their monumental recent achievements, including a kick ass Human Rights Watch report and groundbreaking US Supreme Court action. I worked with them when I was a nonprofit consultant and had the privilege of witnessing the phenomenal dedication, intelligence, heart and tenacity that goes into all of their work. More here:
As we inch closer to fall I find myself reflecting on the peace I feel in being able to enjoy these summer months...even if everything I aspired to accomplish hasn't quite been realized. Yet.I'd hoped to have a reading list up in the resources section by now, but in the meantime, check out
's
Skin, Tooth, and Bone
disability justice primer. Buy it here:
https://www.flipcause.com/secure/reward/OTMxNQ==
It is amazing!Right now I'm finishing
No One Cares About Crazy People
by Ron powers, which I also highly recommend. As far as "mainstream" books go, it is up there on my list with:
In the Kingdom of the Sick
by Laurie Edwards,
Far From the Tree
by Andrew Solomon,
The Pain Chronicles
by Melanie Thernstrom, and
Pain: A Political History
by Keith Wailoo.Next in line for "recreational reading" is
Uprooted: An Anthology on Gender and Illness.
Thank you, as always, for your attention, care, and wisdom. I look forward to sharing more with you and building community, near and far!Ma'ayanP. S. Don't forget to check back in September to read my new piece about the multidimensionality of chronic pain. I'm eager for your thoughts and comments.