Empowering Women’s Health in Chronic Pain: Reflections Post-International Women’s Day 2026As we move forward in March 2026, with International Women’s Day just behind us on March 8th, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the strides we’re making—and the battles still ahead—in women’s health. This year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” resonates deeply with me as a chronic pain advocate, author, and candidate for Arizona House of Representatives in LD7. I’ve spent years fighting for those living with rare diseases and chronic pain, conditions that disproportionately affect women. Women bear a unique burden when it comes to chronic pain. Conditions like endometriosis, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) often strike us harder, yet they’re under-researched and underfunded. March is NMOSD Awareness Month, shining a light on this rare autoimmune disease that can cause severe pain, vision loss, and mobility issues. Recent news highlights the urgent need for change. Leaders worldwide are calling out biases in women’s health research and funding, emphasizing that addressing these gaps could dramatically improve quality of life for billions of women. Organizations like the World Health Organization are pushing for gender equality in health, ensuring all women and girls achieve the highest standard of wellbeing. As we celebrate Women’s History Month and push forward, let’s commit to action. Join a support group, attend an event, or advocate for better funding in women’s health research. Remember, hope is real, and together, we can overcome. Stay strong, Arizona! Read the full post for more on advocacy, events, and my journey.

As we gear up for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 – the SemiQuinCentennial marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 – it’s a perfect time to reflect on the foundational principles that have shaped our nation. This milestone, often called America250, invites us all to honor our history, celebrate our progress, and look forward to the future. From nationwide events like Smithsonian exhibitions and festivals to local commemorations, it’s a chance to appreciate the freedoms that define us. Among these, the Second Amendment stands out as a cornerstone of individual liberty, reminding us of the vision our Founders had for a free and secure society.

As Arizona’s 57th Legislature launches on January 12, 2026, with strong Republican majorities in the House and Senate, conservatives are set to champion tax relief, school choice, and family protections against Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs’ veto threats, according to Axios Phoenix. Key wins include aligning taxes with federal changes for up to $440 million in savings, renewing Prop 123 for teacher raises, and advancing pro-freedom bills like crypto payments in state agencies and banning invasive red light cameras.Amid water shortages and housing debates, Republicans push market-driven solutions over big government, per KAWC. Social priorities defend values with measures on transgender sports fairness and election integrity via earlier mail-in deadlines. Notable proposals, listed alphabetically, highlight innovation and accountability:Allowing state agencies to accept payments in cryptocurrency: Boosts tech efficiency.
Asking voters to boost legislative salaries sharply: Attracts principled leaders.
Banning red light cameras and photo speed enforcement: Protects privacy.
Banning the release of chemicals into the air designed to reduce global warming: Guards against risky experiments.
Imposing new registration fees on electric vehicles: Ensures fair infrastructure funding.
Making ivermectin available over-the-counter: Expands health freedoms.
Outlawing nitrous oxide sales: Curbs misuse.
Permitting faster rural freeway driving: Eases commutes.
Prohibiting fluoride in water: Promotes local choice.
Providing newborn tax credits: Supports families.
Reining in AG nuisance suits: Reduces burdensome litigation.
Renaming a freeway for Charlie Kirk: Honors conservative advocacy.
Researching “Trump Derangement Syndrome”: Explores political divides.
Setting earlier mail-in ballot deadlines: Enhances integrity.
Setting bicycle speed limits on sidewalks: Improves safety.

This session promises real progress for Arizonans, with updates at the Arizona Legislature site.

Arizona is growing fast—more homes, more businesses, and more demand for the reliable electricity that powers our daily lives. As we look ahead, we need smart, practical solutions that keep the lights on, costs down, and our grid secure. That’s why I’m excited to highlight a thoughtful citizen-proposed bill idea put forward by Jim Ross, a resident of Legislative District 7. Jim has compiled a comprehensive draft proposal for legislation that focuses on baseload reliability, innovative nuclear technology, and common-sense safeguards for our state’s energy future.

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his government shutdown isn’t about health care—it’s Democrats holding the government hostage to permanently entrench $300 billion in annual Obamacare subsidies sold as “temporary” in 2010. Republicans offered multiple clean continuing resolutions to keep the government open while negotiating real reform. Every one was rejected. Since these subsidies began, family premiums have doubled to over $18,000, while Democrats protect Big Insurance CEOs instead of Arizona patients. Pass the clean CR, then let’s repeal ACA taxes, expand short-term plans, and deliver market-based solutions that actually lower costs.

Barby Ingle’s relentless dedication to chronic pain and rare disease advocacy has shone brightly from June 2024 to October 2025. As President of the International Pain Foundation (iPain), she’s made waves through policy, community engagement, and global recognition. In June 2024, Barby graduated from the Apache Junction Citizen Leadership Institute, sharpening her skills for impactful advocacy. By July 2024, she ran for Arizona’s House of Representatives (LD7), elevating discussions on #MAHA, patient rights, and rare disease access. Her influence grew with the Global 100 – 2024 Healthcare Advocate Extraordinaire Award in August and continued through her pivotal role on the NORD Arizona Rare Disease Advisory Council (AZ-RDAC), advancing biomedical research and policy for rare diseases. In June 2025, Barby spoke at The Vital Choice Project alongside Rep. Leo Biasiucci and Mike Tyson, while collaborating with RFK Jr. on an HHS project to dismantle barriers to healthcare access. From editing iPain Living magazine to hosting the Barby-Q for Life fundraiser, Barby’s innovative efforts, including her 100% Patriot score from TPAction in October 2025, continue to inspire and transform lives. Stay tuned for her November 16, 2025, Barby-Q & A Community Celebration!

This article, spotlighted during Pain Awareness Month, ties directly to the #MyPainIsLike Campaign, which invites individuals to share their unique experiences of chronic pain through powerful metaphors. By reframing chronic pain as an invasive species, we aim to deepen understanding, foster empathy, and inspire innovative, holistic approaches to manage its impact, amplifying the campaign’s mission to raise awareness and build community around this often-invisible condition.