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Arts & Entertainment

The INvisible Project Photo Exhibition To Benefit the CT Pain Foundation

 

Former Chef Paul Gileno Leaves Stamford, CT Food Business to Establish

The Connecticut Pain Foundation

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Personal Challenges Lead Talented Chef on a New Path to Helping Others with Chronic Pain

Fundraiser to be Held at the Westport Playhouse, October 21, 2010

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September, 2010, Stamford, CT:  Nearly seventy-five million Americans deal with pain. Chronic pain is an all-encompassing problem that knows no boundaries. It affects the poor and the rich, the young and the old, male and female. No race, class or age is spared from its debilitating hold.

 

One such individual is former chef Paul Gileno, best known for his years as one of Stamford’s most successful caterers and the owner of AS Fine Foods on High Ridge Road. In 2003, after dealing with severe health issues (CRPS in his leg, failed back syndrome in his lower back and a severely damaged left sciatic nerve) for many years, this dynamic young chef was forced to leave the industry he felt so passionately about and deal with his illness. After several painstaking surgeries and years of debilitating pain, Gileno found refuge in sharing his story and frustration with fellow pain sufferers whose lives will forever be changed by chronic pain.

 

Still, with an unwavering vigor for life, Gileno put his energy and entrepreneurial spirit into play and in 2006 formed the Connecticut Pain Foundation. CT Pain Foundation is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization serving persons with pain, their families, and care providers. CT Pain Foundation promotes healthy support groups and other positive, hands-on programs for those living with pain. CT

 

Pain Foundation is dedicated to creating chronic pain awareness, empowering survivors and generating change.

 

The INvisible Project, the organization’s first fundraising effort (in addition to medical industry partners, grants, and private donations thus far) is aimed at accomplishing all three.

 

The INvisible Project - Creating Pain Awareness Through Photography

 

In 2009, after attending a support group facilitated by CT Pain Foundation, photographer and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) survivor, Syd London, had an idea for a photo documentary that she entitled, INvisible Project. It was her vision to bring public visibility to the experiences and strengths of those living with pain, thus, the INvisible Project was born.

 

The INvisible Project is a photojournalistic showcase of the day-to-day experiences of real people with chronic pain. To reflect the widespread effects of pain, a variety of conditions are represented, including cancer, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, juvenile arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and more.

 

The goal is to make visible the experiences and strength that are often hidden behind the walls of hospitals and bedrooms. The INvisible Project will contrast the fragility of our physical bodies with the immense fortitude of spirit essential to living each and every day. It is the mission of the INvisible Project to validate the suffering while highlighting the strength and courage of chronic pain survivors.

 

To raise awareness and funds, the photos and stories of the ten INvisible Project participants will be featured at an upcoming fundraising event:

 

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Westport Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport, Connecticut 06880

$100 per person, 6 PM - 9 PM

Cocktail Reception, Invisible Project Photography Exhibit, Live Music, Advocacy Partners

 

 One hundred percent of the proceeds will directly help those living with pain. To expand its programs and support groups, seventy percent of the raised proceeds will go to CT Pain Foundation. The remaining thirty percent will fund chronic pain research.

 

www.ctpainfoundation.com

www. invisibleproject.org

 

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