iPain’s Rural Rare Disease Project is taking education, movement, and hope on the road across Pinal, Gila, Coconino, and Navajo counties.
Why Rural Support Matters
Living with a rare or chronic condition in rural Arizona can feel isolating. Distances are long. Specialists are scarce. And too many families spend years searching for answers while managing pain, fatigue, and daily life with little local support.
About the Rural Rare Disease Project
That is why the International Pain Foundation (iPain), through our Rural Rare Disease Project and with grant support from the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases and the Power of Pain Foundation, Inc., is hosting four free, family-friendly events this September and early October. These gatherings are for people living with rare disease, chronic pain, neuropathy, and related conditions; and for the caregivers, neighbors, and clinicians who walk beside them.
I live with the rare disease Algoneurodystrophy (CRPS/RSD) and other chronic conditions. I know what it means to go from a wheelchair to walking again, and I know how much it matters when someone finally meets you where you are. These events are built around that idea: practical tools, accessible spaces, and community.
What we will cover
Each stop includes similar stations so families can drop in and take what they need:
- Whole-genome sequencing information for rare disease
- Healthy eating on a budget
- Pain management through movement and nature
- Naturopathic and wellness stations
- Resource tables and Q&A
All events are free, family-friendly, and fully accessible, including options for limited mobility. Service animals are welcome. RSVP is encouraged but not required.
Event Details
Pinal County — Outdoor Wellness Day
Saturday, September 26, 2026 • 7:00–11:00 AM
4980 N Ironwood Dr, Apache Junction, AZ 85120
Hosted by Ken and me with the Power of Pain Foundation. Morning guided hikes (easy and intermediate, with fully accessible options), meditation and sound therapy, genome-sequencing information, healthy-eating guidance, iPain movement-and-nature pain management, and resource tables. Presented by Power of Pain Foundation, Inc., with sponsorship from the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases. RSVP: 480-760-1197 or Barby@InternationalPain.org
Gila County — Indoor Gathering (Payson)
Monday, September 28, 2026 • 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
Payson Library, Payson, Arizona
A welcoming indoor session for the rare disease, chronic pain, and rural Arizona community. Hosted by iPain – Rural Rare Disease Project, with grant support from EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases and Power of Pain Foundation, Inc.
Coconino County — Outdoor Evening (Flagstaff)
Monday, September 28, 2026 • 5:00–7:00 PM
Columbine at Raymond County Park
3305 Kachina Trail, Flagstaff, Arizona
An outdoor wellness evening under the northern Arizona sky. Hosted by iPain – Rural Rare Disease Project, with grant support from EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases and Power of Pain Foundation, Inc.
Navajo County — Outdoor Gathering (Mogollon Rim)
Wednesday, October 1, 2026 • 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Mogollon Rim Visitor Center — picnic tables area
An outdoor community stop along the Rim. Same core stations: genome-sequencing information, healthy eating on a budget, pain management through movement and nature, wellness tables, and Q&A. Hosted by iPain – Rural Rare Disease Project.
If you or someone you love lives with rare disease, chronic pain, or neuropathy and can reach Apache Junction, Payson, Flagstaff, or the Mogollon Rim, please come. Bring a caregiver, a neighbor, or just yourself.
Hope is true.
Barby Ingle
Patient Advocate
Vice President, International Pain Foundation (iPain)
www.internationalpain.org
RSVP / questions: 480-760-1197 or Barby@InternationalPain.org
