Young Patients Committee

People under age 40 who are affected by neuropathic facial pain are often confronted with unique challenges. Trigeminal neuralgia is often considered a condition that affects older people. If you are experiencing symptoms of neuropathic facial pain, your doctor may eliminate some possible diagnoses simply because you are not ‘old enough’, delaying a proper diagnosis. You may struggle to find a doctor who will perform certain pain-alleviating procedures due to your age. In addition, coping with pain while you are in school, starting a family or career, and developing deep relationships adds additional layers of challenges.

The YPC

The Young Patients Committee (YPC) assists in fulfilling the mission of the Facial Pain Association by representing the interests of neuropathic facial pain patients under the age of 40. Founded in 2011, the Young Patients Committee (YPC) strives to give a voice to the needs of young patients and raise awareness by dispelling the myth that TN does not affect young people. The YPC makes recommendations to the Board of the Facial Pain Association concerning issues that are of concern to the younger generation and develops events, opportunities, and initiatives on behalf of young patients and their families.

Our Goals

• Providing support for young patients and their families
• Advocating for young facial pain patients
• Raising awareness about facial pain
• Engaging with the facial pain community
• Raising support for programs that benefit young people with facial pain, and for the advancement of the FPA mission

How We Help

• Our virtual support group meets on Zoom every month, providing a place for you to meet others who understand you and to learn valuable tips.
• The YPC Facebook page is an active community where you can find articles of interest to young patients and a community of support.
• Participation in FPA conferences with forums and presentations designed specifically for young people.
• FPA Quarterly journal including YPC articles are published four times per year.
• Merchandise sales on CafePress raise funds through face pain-related merchandise that helps raise awareness.

Birthday & Happy Mail

Looking for a way to add some happiness and fun? The YPC is excited to announce the start of Birthday & Happy Mail. If you’d like to receive a birthday card or some happy mail, please sign up on the Google form and receive some sparkle in the mail!  Want to help? Let us know you want to volunteer🎉 . This program is open to all ages.

The YPC Committee

Our governing committee is composed of people affected by neuropathic facial pain. Our members, ranging in age from 18-39 from across the US and UK, bring a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

• Lindsey Thacker, Texas (Co-Chair)
• Kenzie Winslow, Washington, DC (Co-Chair)
• Ellie Eichenlaub, New York
• Elaina Jackson, Ohio
• Laura Launderville, Virginia
• Rachel Triay, Ohio

Contact us!

We would love to hear from you. Email YPC.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: Please note that the Young Patients Committee of FPA’s blogs and social media platforms are intended to convey general educational information and support, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.