Real and raw, these reflections change the narrative on disability, from an obstacle to overcome, to an experience of grief, acceptance, and self-actualisation. - Judith Bowtell - Program Lead, Front & Centre, Creative and cultural leadership program for women with disability Chronic pain is a personal experience and constant part of everyday life for those that suffer from it. The courage of these writers to share their stories helps to pull us from the solitude of our experience and remember that we are part of an amazing community. - Holly Crawford - Snowboard halfpipe World Champion, 4-time winter Olympian, Endometriosis Australia Ambassador and Chronic Pain Australia volunteer. 3.6 million Australians are estimated to live with chronic pain. Living with Illness and Disability Poised on the Pointe of Pain is a collection of personal essays that brings together people living with chronic pain, illnesses and disabilities, and those caring for them. Contributors include prize-winning established writers such as Hsu-Ming Teo (Love and Vertigo Vogel Prize), Jessica Kirkness (The House with all the Lights On) and Kim Kelly (The Rat Catcher et al historical fiction) with emerging writers to give voice to the wide range of experiences that constitute 'living with illness and disability'. Topics covered include: Deafness; Motor Neurone Disease, and the life-long pain experienced by elite dancers. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to truly grasp the resilience, strength, and humanity behind chronic illness and disability. - Kimberley Grima -Chronic Pain Advocate & Chronic Pain Australia Peer Mentor Living with Illness and Disability Poised on the Pointe of Pain is a collaborative project between WestWords and Macquarie University. Published to coincide with National Pain Week 2025, 21-27 July, 2025 10% of all sales will be donated to Chronic Pain Australia.