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September has officially been named pain awareness month, thanks to the efforts of the American Pain Foundation and the work of a local pain awareness advocate.

Gwenn Herman, a chronic pain sufferer and the founder of the Potomac-based Pain Connection, has worked through her group and the American Pain Foundation to raise awareness about people living with pain in the area.

Herman works as a leader for Maryland through the organization's Power Over Pain Action Network, a grassroots organization of pain awareness advocates nationwide. As a part of her efforts, she has lobbied the Maryland legislature to recognize September as pain awareness month — and her efforts were recently realized when she received word from Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) and County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) that the two offices would issue official proclamations.

"It brings more awareness to people who don't know about it," Herman said. "It also legitimizes it because a lot of people don't feel acknowledged for their pain." Herman hopes to drive home the message that chronic pain is a debilitating condition that can affect every aspect of a person's life.

According to the American Pain Foundation, there are about 76.5 million Americans suffering with pain. Nationally, Power Over Pain Action Network leaders will be organizing presentations and meetings with media and local representatives to raise awareness about the condition throughout September.

Herman said she would continue to raise pain awareness locally throughout the month through Pain Connection, which coordinates support groups for pain sufferers. Her efforts will also include hosting a speaker series to discuss how patients can advocate for themselves. She also hopes the awareness efforts will fuel fundraising for pain sufferers. "Because pain is invisible, people don't see it," Herman said. To learn more about pain connection, visit www.pain-connection.org. To learn more about the American Pain Foundation, visit www.painfoundation.org.

Golfing for a good cause

Organizers are gearing up for the second annual Dystonia Golf Classic, a golf tournament geared to raise money for dystonia, a neurological movement disorder. Proceeds from the day will benefit the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, an organization founded in 1976 that works toward supporting people with dystonia and searching for a cure.

The day will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at the Bretton Woods Golf Course, 15700 River Road in Germantown, with registration and a continental breakfast. The day will also include a reception, an awards banquet, a live auction and entertainment. The cost is $195 for a single golfer, $650 for four golfers and $75 for the banquet only. Golfer registrations include the price of the banquet. To register for the event, contact Tom Driscoll at 202-284-9103 or email tom_driscoll@verizon.net.

‘Team Geequinox'

ready to ride

A Potomac resident is taking part in a charity bike ride Sept. 28 as part of a team of co-workers — all IT professionals — dubbed "Team Geequinox." The ride is geared to raise money for children living with HIV/AIDS, and the group will pedal from Arlington to Mount Vernon as part of the "Climb Up so Kids can Grow Up" event, coordinated by the American Foundation for Children with AIDS. The event will bring together climbers, walkers, hikers and cyclists who will raise money for the foundation, dedicated to providing medicine, supplies and food to children suffering from HIV/AIDS in Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

River Falls resident Tres Lewis is undertaking the effort with Team Geekquinox, in spite of a metal hip he received after undergoing hip replacement surgery in 2005. For more information about Team Geequinox, visit www.firstgiving.com/geequinox. For more information about the American Foundation for Children with AIDS, visit www.helpchildrenwithaids.org.

Volunteers needed for

an important cause

Volunteers are needed to make a difference with the Abused Persons Program of Montgomery County's Department of Health and Human Services program. Volunteers will assist victims of domestic violence who are in search of legal protection, and bilingual individuals are especially needed. Participants must attend several training sessions in October and an in-person interview. Daily duties will include staffing an office during the week in Rockville District Court, accompanying clients to court proceedings, and supporting victims at the Crisis Center in Rockville as an on-call volunteer during weekend and evening hours. For more information, call Cathy Wolf at 240-777-4215.

This column is for you. Send press releases, news tips and other information to Erin Donaghue by phone to 301-280-3007, by e-mail edonaghue@gazette.net, by fax to 301-670-7183 or by mail to 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.