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Known best for his televised fundraisers for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), legendary entertainer Jerry Lewis shared with hospital employees plans for his latest public service venture: a campaign to educate America about the issue of chronic pain. Lewis recounted the thousands of falls that were a source of laughter and excitement for audiences around the world during his career. The antics that delighted so many however, caused him severe spinal chord damage that resulted in nearly 40 years living in chronic pain. He told the crowd, who was captivated by jokes and video clips throughout the presentation, that his goal was to send at least one messenger to help patients in need of pain relief. Lewis finally overcame his pain problem when about two years ago doctors implanted a neurostimulator by the event sponsor that blocks pain signals from traveling to the brain. Lewis claims the device saved his life. “We were very fortunate to have Jerry come to BWH to help leverage awareness for this important issue,” said Dr. Edgar Ross, director of BWH’s Pain Management Center. “There are nearly 70 million Americans living in pain. We as clinicians need to help identify the people who are suffering silently and let them know about the tremendous treatment options available to them.”