Clarksville, TN – Omega Kimoto knows pain. In fact, she calls herself a “pain warrior.”
Kimoto has battled since 2008 when she was injured while serving as an Alabama Conservation Enforcement officer. A career of law enforcement and community service was taken away virtually overnight.
After a second surgery she developed a condition known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and her list of chronic pain conditions grew to include Arnold Chiari Malformation, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Glaucoma.
Kimoto moved to Clarksville in 2010 and found new friends and new doctors, which gave her strength and resolve to keep fighting back. In 2011 she started a support group that has grown to more than 100 members.
“We meet once a month to offer personal support, we also offer support through social media,” Kimoto says. “I view this as a way to give back and help empower people living with chronic pain.”
Information about the group at is at www.facebook.com/groups/tncrps or reach her by email at omegakimoto@me.com
Kimoto also volunteers with the U.S. Pain Foundation, a national group that designates September as National Pain Awareness Month as a way to increase awareness and education about chronic pain issues.
Recognizing Kimoto’s and others struggle against chronic pain, Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan has joined the effort and proclaimed September as Pain Awareness Month in Clarksville.
Proclamation
Pain Awareness Month
WHEREAS, pain is a major public health problem for children and adults and is the number one reason Americans seek medical care; and
WHEREAS, the Institute of Medicine has found that 100 million Americans live with chronic pain as a result of serious illnesses and injuries; and
WHEREAS, chronic pain costs the nation an estimated $560 to $630 billion annually in medical expenses, lost wages and lost productivity; and
WHEREAS, pain negatively impacts almost every aspect of a person’s life including the ability to work, sleep and engage in social activities as well as adversely impacts pain sufferers’ families; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Pain Foundation’s mission is to educate, connect, inform, empower and advocate on behalf of over 74,000 members throughout the country and all those who live with chronic pain; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Pain Foundation provides education on pain management skills and constructive ways to cope with pain and find fulfillment in life; and
WHEREAS, increased awareness about the effects of chronic pain result in better outcomes, increased access to good pain care and empowerment and validation for those living with pain; and
Now, Therefore, I, Kim McMillan, Mayor of the City of Clarksville, do hereby proclaim September 2016, Pain Awareness Month.
