Jessica Minerd-Massey , Ambassador, FL

Jessica Minerd-Massey is a disabled professional artist, whose been an Intractable Pain Patient (IPP) for 19 years. She's a survivor of 17 years on NYS Worker's Comp & 20 major surgeries. She's passionate about helping others, spreading awareness of the harms, including suicides, to disabled CPP (Chronic Pain Patients) and their compassionate physicians, through the use of SM campaigns & protests, as her health allows. She's also interested in medicinal plants & keeps an eye open for nontraditional alternatives & adjunct therapies to opioids, like kratom, ketamine & others.

She has been a chronic pain patient since 2008 and a breast cancer survivor since 2021. She is an active volunteer at her church in Silver Spring, MD, so half of her heart is in Maryland while the other half is at home in West Virginia. She is particularly passionate about helping cancer patients obtain access to much needed medication, especially women who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. She is a wife and mother to two amazing children. 

Western Pennsylvania State Ambassador for the American Pain & Disability Foundation Vocal Advocate for Pain Patients Pain Warrior Degree in Addiction Psychology and Human/Social Services Artisan, creating handmade pieces that give expression to the pain 

Disabled Combat Veteran / Mechanic / Carpenter Ambassador Chronic pain patient since 2008

 Evelyn holds a bachelor’s in criminal justice with a minor in Sociology she enjoys helping with the APDF whenever she can. 

Melody Andrews is a retired Special Education teacher, a disability advocate, and a chronic pain warrior. Melody’s achievements include a BS in Biochemistry with triple honors, and an MEd in special education. She also completed Parent Education Advocacy (PEApod) training, and is a certified trainer for Love & Logic. Melody has worked as Executive Director of a disability focused nonprofit, was a parent advocate for disabled children, advocated & lobbied for changes at the state & federal level, worked along side a disability attorney, and advocated for rights of the hearing impaired and service dog users. She, herself, had a hearing dog working for her for over 14 years. She also serves in her church leading trainings on marriage communication. Currently her focus is on assisting peers in navigating treatment for pain. She has attended rallies, lobbies for patients’ rights, and advocates with patients directly.