Kimberly Graves

I began experiencing pain at age four with migraine disease; at age 16 it became chronic. Thereafter, I received several diagnoses which has led years of ongoing chronic daily pain. Living with and managing it can be very challenging at times, leading to isolation, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. In those really darker moments, I make sure to reach out to my loved ones. Seeing and hearing from them will help get me through. I'm no longer able to work due to my diagnoses and chronic pain. My life consists of self care, doctor appointments, and advocacy work. Raising awareness and advocating brings me so much passion. I have found my voice!!! I have found wonderful communities, friends who absolutely understand what it's like to live with daily chronic pain no matter what their diagnosis.

I advocate to bring awareness to the stigma of chronic pain. It's invisible to many but not those suffering! Dispel the shame, self-blame, and the feeling of failure, due to no longer being able to work secularly. Letting people like myself know that we are worthy, we are valuable, we can use our voices and they are powerful.