Man in Pain Walks Across U.S.
RESTING IN TULSA: Dennis Kinch is walking historic Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles (2,400 miles) as part of a grassroots movement to increase awareness of chronic pain and was in Tulsa Dec 2 to meet with pain patients and staff at the Pain Evaluation and Treatment Center located at 5801 E. 41st Street.
MATTHEW W. GROSS for GTR Newspapers
Dennis Kinch, 50, knows about chronic pain. He suffers from two progressive diseases that affect his spine and joints. The diseases eventually may prevent him from walking.
Kinch is walking historic Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles (2,400 miles) as part of a grassroots movement to increase awareness of chronic pain and was in Tulsa Dec 2 to meet with pain patients and staff at the Pain Evaluation and Treatment Center located at 5801 E. 41st Street.
He will be on Route 66 until June 2006 and finds walking his best therapy. His motto: “Do what you can, when you can.”
Kinch walked from the Boston-area to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness of hidden diseases and pain (May 2005).
Kinch is sponsored by the National Pain Foundation, the leading resource on information regarding chronic pain, treatment options and support. He is the foundation’s voluntary spokesman. See “www.nationalpainfoundation.org”: www.nationalpainfoundation.org
The following are facts about pain:
More than 75 million Americans live with chronic pain, 50 million are partially or totally disabled because of their pain.
One-in-four Americans are in pain.
Chronic pain is the number one cause of adult disability and is the most under-funded public health issue in the United States.
The United States economy suffers $100 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity each year.
43 percent of American households have chronic pain sufferers.
Chronic pain affects relationships, families, career choices, financial well being and, most of all the mind, body and spirit. Kinch has experienced and overcome setbacks in all of these facets of life. He provides sufferers a “road map” to overcoming chronic pain setbacks.
The following is Kinch’s update to interested observers after he left Tulsa: “I appreciate all the concern you’ve expressed about me during my walk, now that winter has finally hit! Yes, it is very cold, especially in Oklahoma (where I am now), but I’m doing fine. I do have to keep moving, but thanks to the National Pain Foundation, I’ve got all the right gear and everything I need to stay safe and warm! Also, for all of you who have made a donation, thank you. This walk wouldn’t be this successful without your support. Other walks like mine have failed because the support wasn’t there. But because of you and your contributions, I can keep going and the NPF can keep me supplied with all the gear I need. Let’s keep this up!
Updated 12-20-2005
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