We are in March 2026. International Women’s Day was on March 8th. It’s a great time to reflect. We have made strides in women’s health. Battles still lie ahead. This year’s theme is “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” It resonates deeply with me. I am a chronic pain advocate, author, and candidate for Arizona House of Representatives in LD7. I have fought for years. I help those with rare diseases and chronic pain. These conditions affect women more. Today, I share thoughts. We can advance women’s health. I draw from my journey and latest developments.
The Unique Burden of Chronic Pain on Women
Women face a unique burden with chronic pain. Conditions like endometriosis, fibromyalgia, CRPS, and NMOSD hit us harder. Yet, they are under-researched and underfunded. March is NMOSD Awareness Month. It highlights this rare autoimmune disease. NMOSD can cause severe pain, vision loss, and mobility issues. I have battled CRPS since 2002. An accident changed my life. I know the isolation. Symptoms get dismissed. The fight for care is hard. But determination helped me. So did faith, family, and treatments. I went from wheelchair-bound to standing strong. Now, I advocate for others. They can find hope and healing.
Urgent Need for Change in Women’s Health
Recent news shows the need for change. Leaders worldwide call out biases. These are in women’s health research and funding. Fixing gaps could improve life for billions of women. The World Health Organization pushes for gender equality in health. It aims for the highest wellbeing for all women and girls. Analyses prove it. Investing in women’s health is compassionate. It’s also smart economically. Cutting poor health days. It boosts communities. In Arizona, I helped pass bills. These focus on patient rights and healthcare access. I commit to state-level priorities. As LD7 representative, I’ll fight for policies. They prioritize reliable, affordable healthcare. Not unreliable “green” energy schemes. Those raise costs. They leave families in the dark—literally and figuratively.
Opportunities to Connect and Learn This Month
This month offers chances to connect and learn. The USASP Annual Scientific Meeting is March 23-26 in Philadelphia. It gathers scientists, clinicians, and those with experience. They advance pain care. Closer to home, virtual support groups exist. These foster community. They empower us and remind us we’re not alone.
Empowering Through Advocacy and Conservative Values
I work with the International Pain Foundation. I am a board member of the Arizona Chronic Care Together Coalition. Sharing stories sparks change. This happens through my books, like From Wheels to Heals. Or through legislative efforts. My goal is clear. Empower women to control their health journeys. Conservative values fit well. These include personal responsibility. Strong families. Limited government interference. They align with patient-first healthcare. It respects choice.
Commit to Action
We celebrate Women’s History Month. Let’s push forward. Commit to action. Join a support group. Attend an event. Advocate for better funding in women’s health research. If you’re in LD7, come to my free BARBY-Q event. It’s on March 28th in Apache Junction. Enjoy music, food, and fellowship. Let’s talk about a healthier Arizona.
Remember, hope is true, and together, we can overcome. Stay strong, Arizona. Stay Great, AMERICA!
Barby Ingle
Candidate for AZ House LD7 | Chronic Pain Advocate | Author
#BarbyForLD7 #ChronicPain #WomensHealth #NoDimExcuses
