NJSGA Supports "drive Away The Pain"

Citing references to it as “The worst pain known to man,” and “The Suicide Disease,” Frank Skoviera is making a cross-country trek called “Drive Away the Pain,” to call attention to a serious disease called Trigeminal Neuralgia, which is an intolerable facial pain condition.

Skoviera took time to visit the offices of the New Jersey State Golf Association on Wednesday, Nov. 2 with trusty service dog, Maxwell, as part of his mission to cover 48 states, meeting with other golf associations, businesses, colleges, universities, those affected by facial pain or those who hear of "Drive Away the Pain" and want to connect in person.

He started his campaign, which is seeking $550,000 in research funds for 2017, from his home in Tampa, Fla., on Oct. 20 and has met with the Florida State Golf Association, Georgia State G.A., Virginia State G.A., Golf Association of Philadelphia and NJSGA. His son, Aaron, is Director of Handicapping for Florida State G.A.

“There are millions of us suffering from debilitating effects of chronic pain, and I hope to do my part so that someday a child, a young mother or a senior citizen can go to bed at night with that pain being a distant memory,” said Skoviera, who was diagnosed with the disease 16 years ago at age 50.

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), which is considered to be one of the most painful afflictions known to medical practice, is an example of neuropathic pain which is defined as pain caused by injury to or malfunctioning of the nervous system. Skoviera said 200,000 people were diagnosed with the disease last year.

Skoviera is serving as volunteer communications director for the Facial Pain Research Foundation Campaign. The Facial Pain Research Foundation is a volunteer-based non-profit organization dedicated to finding cures for trigeminal neuralgia and related neuropathic pain.

NJSGA staff members signed a teal-colored decal and placed it on Skoviera's vehicle, which features a "Drive Away the Pain" wrap that spreads the word roadside. A NJSGA decal was placed inside a window on his car.

Skoviera's made 20 stops so far during his "Drive Away the Pain" trip. He estimates that it will take six to eight weeks — perhaps more — to complete.

Skoviera is hoping the "Drive Away the Pain" gains attention via social media. Those interested in connecting to learn more can like "Drive Away the Pain" on Facebook or follow @driveawaypain on Twitter.

For more information, or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.facingfacialpain.org. Skoviera can be contacted by text at 813-404-1043 or by e-mail at news@facingfacialpain.org. He promises to drive to meet sponsors directly and is more than happy to add decals to his car.