Maureen Pratt Offers Prayerful Approach to Pain in Steinbach, Manitoba
Contact: Christine Schicker, The Maximus Group, 404-610-8871 cschicker@maximusmg.com
STEINBACH, MANITOBA, Canada, May 13 /Christian Newswire/ -- Each day throughout the world, countless people suffer in silence from chronic pain. Even pop singer, famed choreographer, and American Idol judge, Paula Abdul recently revealed her long struggle with chronic pain in the May issue of Ladies Home Journal. While Abdul admits to being addicted to pain killers, others rely on faith to see them though.
Maureen Pratt, an award-winning author and speaker, confesses her Catholic faith has nurtured her through the storms of her own pain. Pratt suffers daily from multiple chronic illnesses. Her personal, practical, and prayerful approach brings hope and inspiration to others who similarly suffer.
On May 26, Pratt will be the keynote speaker at a one day conference called Hope in the Darkness: Chronic Pain and Illness Transformed by Spirituality. She will also lead a workshop for those who suffer from chronic pain and their physicians, pastoral counselors, and caregivers. The conference is being held at the Steinbach Mennonite Church in Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada.
Hosted by the Bethesda Chaplaincy Services Board, this educational and inspirational conference is open to health care providers, the mental health community, spiritual caregivers (clergy and chaplains), and, most importantly, individuals suffering with chronic pain and illness and their family and friends. The conference and workshops are accredited for Continuing Medical Education. Certificates will be available upon check-in. The conference has also been endorsed by Providence College and Seminary, South Eastman Health, Steinbach Ministerial Association, and the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Medicine.
Larry Hirst, Chaplain of Bethesda Hospital and one of the conference organizers, identifies why Maureen has been invited as the featured presenter. "Many times when 'experts' speak on a particular subject, they are qualified academically to address the subject, but often times they lack the personal experience. Maureen knows about chronic pain and illness, not primarily from an academic perspective, but from a lived perspective."
Despite the fact that Pratt's conditions persist along with the consequences of her chronic illnesses, she stands not as a victim but as an agent of understanding, of grace, and of comfort and encouragement to those who likewise suffer. Pratt provides helpful information and deep insights to physicians, counselors, spiritual care givers, friends, and family who choose to journey with those suffering with chronic illness.
Maureen Pratt is the author of three books including Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain and Illness, Taking Charge of Lupus: How to Manage the Disease and Make the Most of Your Life, and The First Year -- Hypothyroid-ism: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed.
For more information or to register for the Hope in the Darkness: Chronic Pain and Illness Transformed by Spirituality conference, please contact David Dickey at 204-326-9865.
To schedule an interview with Pratt, please contact Christine Schicker with The Maximus Group at 404-610-8871 or cschicker@maximusmg.com.
To book Pratt for your next conference or event please contact Tina Remmert of TMG Speaker Services at 678-990-9032; Ext. 107 or cremmert@maximusmg.com.
