Thank you to all who joined us for our People & Paws 5k 2019!

For photos, please visit Newtown Vet’s Facebook page!

The Cause

CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) or RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) are complicated terms for a complicated illness that affects the nervous system, causing severe pain without reason. There is no definite cause of RSD, although in some cases it’s believed to have been triggered by an injury or surgery. It affects people of all ages, both male and female. There is no single, defined cure for RSD and many are not covered by medical insurance – instead, patients are offered a variety of therapies with varying degrees of success, most of which are extremely costly. RSD is a physical illness that causes physical damage, but understandably it also affects patients on a psychological and social level, often including reduced quality of life, depression, anxiety, and inability to maintain a social or work life.

This cause is particularly close to the heart for the Newtown Vet family. Both Dr. Ireland’s wife and son suffer from RSD and have spent years living with intense pain, all day every day. Their first hand experience has made it extremely evident how little recognition, support, and options there are for CRPS patients and their families.

Our fundraising efforts will benefit the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association (RSDSA) and consequently, RSD patients and their families who are struggling not only with pain, but the debilitating effects it can have on every aspect of life. Our goal is to offer hope and comfort in some way to those experiencing the endless pain of RSD.

To learn more, visit http://www.rsds.org.