Patrick Boland, your story left me in awe and quite humbled by your strength in coping with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, CRPS (the story: “Highlands Ranch teen’s a `Ferocious Fighter’”). I imagine the depth from which you draw courage and perseverance to just take a step forward each day is greater than most people could muster under lesser circumstances. Your youth simply magnifies the bravery you exhibit as you carry a burden much too heavy for someone so young.

Your compassion for others afflicted with CRPS and its variations that prompted you to establish the nonprofit Ferocious Fighters is further evidence of the magnitude of your personal power. Bravo to you and your family for serving as a role model for others while you stand tall and strong every day to live your life to the fullest.

Thank you for teaching me a little about this disease and for sharing your story. I’m a better person just having learned about you and about the struggles people like you must endure each day.

Janet Burda

Highlands Ranch