World with Less Pain

Written Submission from Chris Malpass

If I lived in a world with less pain, I might be able to actually hold my newborn son for longer than 10 minutes. I could be a better father to both him and my daughter. I could be a better employee at my place of employment. I might be able to actually awake in the morning, and actually be able to stand up and stretch without bracing myself against some unmovable object to hold me up. Life without pain seems to be more fantasy than reality to me.

Written Submission from Mayela Maldonado

If I lived in a world with less pain, I would be the woman I once was and more. The fun one, the go-getter, the dreamer! I would leave the house without worrying about how long I could last without the pain! I would be more involved with my family & friends! I would be more productive, more active, more alive! But I have FAITH that one day I will! 

If my sister lived in a world with less pain, she could participate fully in life again. She could work and go out as her friends in their twenties do, move out of home and make plans for the future. She could wear the pretty high heels that she used to love to wear and looked fantastic in. She could take a plane flight and visit me in London. We could go out together, travel and giggle as we used to. My mum would have more time to herself as she enters her sixties and not be exhausted by the constant caring that is required to look after someone who suffers from pain. I could stop feeling sad that one silly little injury triggered a drastic change in my sister's quality of life.

Written Submission from Laura Salmen

In a world with less pain, I'd:

• do more living and less existing
• receive proper pain control without being made to feel like a criminal
• turn off this exhausting "fake it & make it" facade
• laugh more and cry less
• cease being a medical guinea pig
• fight with all I have to prevent even on more person from EVER having to live a single moment as I've had to live the past 22 years.

When I imagine a world without pain, I bubble with joy thinking about my husband who silently suffers every day with pain and doesn't mention it.

A world without pain would mean that he could live his life without having to fight every day of it.

Written Submission from Rosa Fuentes

As a family practice physician, I daily see the far-reaching effects of pain on people's lives...some at their worst, some striving to do their best. Above all, patients need RESPECT in order to empower them to not just survive and exist, but to thrive and LIVE!

And, in order to do that, health care providers need to not feel so fearful of taking care of these patients and insurance companies and regulatory agencies need to CARE!  

Video Submission from Joy Darden

Written Submission from
Tamara Mallory-Bowman

If I lived in a world with less pain, I could...

enjoy watching my beautiful daughter, Julianna, live a full and rich life.

I could stop crying myself to sleep because I cannot seem to help her suffering.

I could stop grieving the loss of all the dreams I once had for her.

If I lived in a world with less pain, I could have hope again.  

Video Submission from Jae Vick
(log into Facebook to watch the video)

Poetry Submission from Robert Root

If I were free we could meet for tea
at three and for more at four.
If I were free you would never see
me in my bedroom, I'd be out the door.
You'd find me in a park or dancing in the dark
From the top of a hill I'd pay all my bills

If I were free I'd make it up to you
for all the times I made you blue,
for the way I depend on you,
for the way you see me through.
We'd take the dog for a walk,
we'd laugh, we'd giggle, and we'd talk
and then I would cook for you,
it's only fair for what you do.

I'd call all my friends and see them once again,
I'd catch a fish and let him go,
I'd climb a tree and scare a crow.
Without my ills I'd ditch my pills.
I'd write a song if my pain was gone.
I'd dream a dream if I were free,
that all of you, would be just like me.