INTERNATIONAL PAIN FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES OUR 2020 HERO OF HOPE AWARD WINNERS
Press Release – August 2, 2020 – Phoenix, AZ
The International Pain Foundation (iPain) Is Proud to Announce Our 2020 Hero of Hope Award Winners.
PATIENT ADVOCACY – Diane Talbert
HEALTHCARE PROVIDER – Dr. Harbinder Sandhu
The International Pain Foundation presents the Hero of Hope Awards annually. Celebrating our 14-year anniversary we have 2 award categories; Patient Advocacy and Healthcare Provider, recognizing exceptional finalists who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to assisting and advocating for people with chronic pain diseases. Nominations were solicited from the pain community; finalists were then chosen from the nominations by the International Pain Foundation board of directors and iPain Partners and winners were chosen by the public. With over 2000 votes in each category this year’s winners have been chosen.
The award winners will be honored live at the International Pain Summit on November 14, 2020. The award finalists will be recognized in the event program and iPain Living Magazine Fall 2020 edition. The winners will also receive an award trophy during the live presentation and feature stories in the iPain Living Magazine Winter 2021 edition.
Mrs. Diane Talbert is working daily to help other people. “I want to be able to speak for people who can’t speak for themselves, find people who will work with me to get the word out about my advocacy goals, and am really empowering myself to help others.” She is a woman who greatly impacts our communities and society at large. “Someone told me later on in life that I would be a good mentor. I was like really, so the rest is history. It’s a great feeling in helping people figure out the best path for them.” Diane was a young 5-year-old girl when chronic illness entered her life. “My father is 85 years old now. From the time I could remember, he always said you will be somebody and people will listen to you. He also told me that you’re never too old to learn, that I needed to be a lifelong learner, no matter what stage of life I was in. I was told to do what I loved to do and I loved helping people.” Keeping powerful people in my corner is a must.” Diane sees her main role being to offer support to those who feel they are not being heard. “We all need to be taken seriously and be respected. I have just started assisting people in getting access and understanding information and services.” She recognizes the necessity of her voice for every community she serves.
Dr. Harbinder Sandhu suggests we never give up on our dreams. She is a great reminder that life might put us on various paths along the way, which will bring opportunities, challenges and sometimes doubt, but know that you have the strength to move in the direction you want too. “I have been involved in the pain community for over 11 years and I myself have grown professionally and personally. Making a difference to someone’s life, and helping them achieve a quality of life despite their pain is what gives me joy. Connecting with people globally and working with a community who all have a common goal of advancing our understanding of pain and how we can better help is important. The aim is to keep learning from each other. Passionate – Whether it is seeing patients, teaching healthcare professionals or developing novel applications and new ideas in pain management, I truly believe I do what I do because it fits my purpose and my why. I have been told that I have the ability to help anyone feel at ease, which is a lovely compliment to accept and feel a quality that really helps me in my line of work. I never want to give up on the need and drive to do more to push our understanding of pain forward.”
Thank you to all our 2020 award nominees and finalists for all you do to put a spotlight on chronic pain diseases and other chronic pain conditions.
Source: iPain Heroes of Hope – iPain Foundation
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Media Inquiries: International Pain Foundation, Attn: Barby Ingle, President, 480-882-1342, media@internationalpain.org
