In August of 2010 a project was started to raise awareness for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. It started as a grassroots movement on Facebook by people who either have RSD/CRPS or love someone who does. Participants have sent in 12”x 12” squares of cloth to express themselves in the struggle of dealing with this painful affliction. The concept of the quilt project was originated by Helen Freemyer (founder and Executive Director of RMRSD) and a former executive director (Troy Walker) as a way to spread awareness for RSD. Since its inception, the quilt has continued to grow and at the time of this publication it is already at 1000 sq/ft..
In November of 2010, KCNC Channel 4 in Denver videoed a panel-making party at Helen's house. The picture above is from that event and represents the first time the Quilts were seen together and the first coverage of the Quilts by a major news agency.
The people involved in this amazing project -- from those who send in squares, those who sew them together, to the ones who help promote it -- are ALL heroes and take great pride in raising awareness. Currently, not many people know about this affliction even though it is estimated that 1.2 million people are affected in the United States alone and at least10 million worldwide. Most go undiagnosed due to lack of knowledge by the medical community. Without awareness of RSD/CRPS, research funding is limited. This project is currently being run by the Power of Pain Foundation. es.
