When 28-year-old NSU student Renee Glick exits her car after parking in a handicapped spot, she is often met with cries of “you should be ashamed!” Young and fashion-savvy, Glick may look like the picture of health. However, looks can be deceiving. Glick, and more than 116 million other Americans, live each day in potentially debilitating pain.
That’s why the doctoral student and her graduate student organization NSPIRE in NSU’s Center for Psychological Studies is mobilizing students across the campus to organize the first-ever “Power Over Pain Walk,” which will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 at 10 a.m., prior to NSU CommunityFest – the university’s annual free carnival-like event for NSU students, faculty, staff and their families. NSU is among the sponsors of the Power Over Pain Walk.
Glick has suffered from spinal nerve damage and the invisible illness of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) since 2006 as a consequence of sustaining multiple accident related injuries and corrective surgeries, which were due to a careless driver. After being rushed to the hospital, Glick survived, but her life was never the same, as CRPS pain can surpass digit amputation. Now, Glick is on a mission to shed light on the invisible world of those suffering from chronic pain in silence.
“Pain is a topic avoided by most people; as if recognizing the existence of pain makes it contagious,” Glick said. “I’m a pain warrior and encourage other people in the pain community to speak up.”
Paul Gileno, Founder of U.S. Pain Foundation, said the goal of the “Power Over Pain Walk,” sponsored by NSU, the U.S. Pain Foundation, and the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association, is to raise awareness about individuals living in chronic pain, provide funding for pain research and education, and start a much-needed dialogue between pain warriors and the community.
The Power Over Pain Walk on Saturday, Feb. 11 starts at 10 a.m., with registration beginning at 8 a.m. Viewing stations and tents will be set up along the path for supporters to watch and sponsors to distribute water and care packages. Walkers also receive entry to NSU’s 9th Annual CommunityFest, an official walk T-shirt, and the opportunity to support a great cause.
Walkers will also be making strides toward healing, and they will be treated to gourmet cuisine from local restaurants, enjoy rides, entertainment, and all the festivities of CommunityFest.
“I have learned to respect my limitations, not apologize for requiring help, to approach challenges with ingenuity, and most importantly to take back my voice,” Glick said. “Although I would give anything to have been unscathed by the accident, I am grateful for finding life purpose amidst the ruins.”
WHO: Pain Warrior Renee Glick, Nova Southeastern University, U.S. Pain Foundation, and the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association
WHAT: “Power Over Pain Walk,” a pain-awareness event, followed by NSU CommunityFest.
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 11. Registration for the walk is at 8 a.m. The walk begins at 10 a.m. CommunityFest is held Noon-4:00 p.m. at NSU’s Gold Circle Lake.
COST for the Walk: $15 for general public, $10 for NSU students, $5 for children.
NOTE: NSU CommunityFest is a free event.
WHERE: Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive in Davie, Fla.
For more information about the Power Over Pain Walk, please visit www.poweroverpainwalk.com.