For my bat mitzvah project I’m raising support and awareness for kids with CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) and Chronic Pain. This project is important to me because throughout 6th grade, I struggled with CRPS and Chronic Pain. Girls between the ages of 12 and 18 are most affected with CRPS. I had 2 CRPS episodes in my left foot and was on crutches for around 5 weeks each time. CRPS is caused by a malfunction in the nervous system, that causes pain, numbness, lack of blood flow, and change in temperature. I couldn’t put pressure on my foot for weeks. It was hard to get around school, I couldn’t take the bus, and had to go to physical therapy every week. The only way to get better is to retrain the nerves to regular activity and sensations. The process is painful and normally takes a while. I was really lucky to get over my pain episodes as fast as I did because I had an amazing physical therapist.

     Chronic Pain is any pain lasting more than 12 weeks. My chronic pain episode started in June of 6th grade and didn’t leave until October of 7th grade. A sore back that didn’t have any structural damage, caused months of constant pain. I couldn’t walk by myself, could barely move, wasn’t able to finish 6th grade. I went to say goodbye to my teachers and friends for the summer, but needed a wheelchair to get around school. I spent my summer trying to manage the pain, and couldn’t take part in the annual trip my family takes. At first I didn’t even have the strength to do physical therapy. It took a month before I could move. At the end of June, after a night of around 3 hours of sleep, we were able to get an appointment with the Pain Clinic at Boston Children's Hospital. My team at the Pain Clinic changed everything. With their help and support, I was able to recover enough to start 7th grade. In learning more about my condition, I realized sadly, that most kids with Chronic Pain don’t get over it this quick. I was really lucky that I could start 7th grade and see my friends after my long, lonely summer.

A Special Thank You To: Dr. Schechter, Dr. Kaczynski, and Christine Shusterman CPNP at Boston Children Hospital, Pain Clinic; Heather Hancock at Northeast Rehab Pediatric Clinic; and Amy Lynch PNP at Andover Pediatrics.