CONWAY, SC (WMBF) – More than a dozen people gathered at the Conway Riverwalk Saturday morning to raise awareness for complex regional pain syndrome.
CRPS is a chronic disease that typically develops after an injury, leaving those affected in pain.
It outranks childbirth, kidney stones and amputation of a limb on the McGill Pain Scale.
Saturday marked the seventh annual nationwide RSDSA Walk for CRPS. However, this is the first time organizers put together a walk in the Grand Strand.
Organizer Kira Kordiak said it was amazing to connect with others going through the same thing,
“It was special,” Kordiak said. “Half of us didn’t event know each other today until today meeting. One gentleman out here has never met anybody with this disease and was like I just need somebody to talk to. Now he’s met us and now he can connect and stay connected.”
Kevin Caldwell said he’s mainly bedridden and only leaves the house for appointments after doctors diagnosed him with CRPS in 2008 after a car wreck. However, Saturday he found the strength to attend the walk and meet with people like him for the very first time.
“This is truly my first time to ever meet anyone who has CRPS and it’s amazing to hear their stories,” Caldwell said. “I like to share my story, but today I’m listening, trying to listen more to other people’s stories and try to understand where they’re coming from and what helps them and what doesn’t help them.”
Currently there is no cure for CRPS and the group raised more than $1,200 for research exceeding their goal of $500. The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are partnering with the group for a game on Aug. 23. Five dollars from each ticket purchased through a special link will go toward CRPS research and education.
You can buy tickets by clicking here.