Members of the Golf Association of Philadelphia staff show their support for "Drive Away the Pain."

'Drive Away the Pain' effort arrives at GAP offices

  In hopes of raising awareness of trigeminal neuralgia, considered one of the most painful afflictions in medicine, Frank Skoviera, along with his service dog Maxwell, embarked on a cross country journey Oct. 20. The two visited the Golf Association of Philadelphia offices Tuesday as part of their "Drive Away the Pain" effort.

  Skoviera, who serves as the Facial Pain Research Foundation's Volunteer Communications Director, provided information regarding trigeminal neuralgia and his foundation, which seeks $550,000 in funds for research in 2017. Members of the GAP staff signed decals and placed them on Skoviera's vehichle, which features a "Drive Away the Pain" wrap that spreads the word roadside. Skoviera started the self-funded trip from his Tampa, Fla. home. He previously met with the Florida State Golf Association, Georgia State Golf Association and Virginia State Golf Association.

  Skoviera plans 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.

  "I'm compelled to do something like this. I still feel like I can contribute," Skoviera said. "The reception has just been fantastic."

  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.

  As Skoviera logs miles, "Drive Away the Pain" gains traction via social media. Those interested in connecting to learn more can like "Drive Away the Pain" on Facebook or follow @driveawaypain on Twitter.

  Trigeminal neuralgia is an example of neuropathic pain, which is defined as pain caused by injury to or malfunctioning of the nervous system. The Facial Pain Research Foundation is a volunteer-based non-profit organization dedicated to finding cures for trigeminal neuralgia and related neuropathic pain.

  For more information, or to make a tax-deductable donation, visit www.facingfacialpain.org.

Golf Association of Philadelphia
  Founded in 1897, the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) is the oldest regional golf association in the United States and serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. Its 153 Full Member Clubs and 57,000 individual members are spread across parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. As Philadelphia’s Most Trusted Source of Golf Information, the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.