For the 5th consecutive year, I am helping to raise funds for the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association (RSDSA), a national not-for-profit which supports people everywhere living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (formerly known as RSD).

Since 2016, I co-chaired the Long Island Awareness Walk and fundraiser for RSDSA, but Covid-19 forced us to cancel this year's live event. Instead, RSDSA is hosting a national virtual walk on August 22, 2020. I have been reluctant to fundraise this year as I realize so many of my friends and relatives are experiencing significant financial strain as a result of the pandemic. But, people with CRPS experience these same financial hardships all of the time as CRPS is a disabling disorder and often forces patients to abandon their careers and face a host of medical challenges.

If you have just $5 or more to spare to contribute towards this year's RSDSA fundraising walk, it would be greatly appreciated. No amount is too small.

Donation Link: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/rsdsa-crps-walk/account/1006631/donate/

All money raised from this event benefits RSDSA and goes towards medical research for CRPS, education, CRPS awareness, advocacy, emergency patient support and other critical needs.

According to the McGill Pain Index, which is a scale used to measure pain, CRPS is rated the most painful condition known to man - even more painful than cancer, amputation of a digit, kidney stones and childbirth.

As many of you know, I have been suffering with CRPS for more than eight years as a result of a severe and permanent nerve injury, which causes chronic pain, constant burning, abnormal swelling, extreme temperature changes and skin discoloration, among other debilitating symptoms.

Please give from your heart and support RSDSA. Think of those who suffer in unbearable, constant pain every single day; those who are constantly isolated in their homes, not just because of the pandemic, but due to the most painful condition of all.