Carmen Wells has beaten the odds a few times: in
2004, she overcame breast cancer, and in 2010,
she was selected as one of the 120,000 people
who applied by lottery to run this fall’s New York
City Marathon.
Wells, who works with pain patients and is familiar
with the effects of chronic pain, is dedicating her race
to the Sceptor Pain Foundation, a nonprofit organization
that promotes pain research and education.
“Chronic pain is a very real condition,” Wells says. “And I have a special connection to pain patients.
Nearly seven years ago, pain limited my life like a
merciless twisted vine. The vines of pain left scars
on my life, but that’s where my true empathy for
pain patients was born. I’m thankful that now I’m
in a place where I can do some great things for
pain patients and pain awareness.”
Wells is already preparing for the marathon and
running four to six miles three times a week. When
she began sharing news of her training with patients,
they began offering their own support. Several
patients have suggested their favorite “happy
tunes“ to motivate her on long, weekend runs.
“I am dedicating this marathon to pain patients on
a personal level, and I’ll complete this marathon in
their honor,” Wells concludes. “It is a wonderful opportunity
for me to positively influence the lives of
pain patients and let others know about the Sceptor
Foundation’s dedication to raising awareness of pain
as a disease and of resources that are available.”
