Twice a year, the National Pain Foundation honors people with pain, caregivers, and health care professionals at the NPF Triumph Dinner. The highlight of the dinner is the presentation of these awards to extraordinary people who have made a difference in the lives of many who face living with pain daily.

Triumph Award — Triumph of the Spirit
The Triumph Award is presented to an individual who lives with pain who has made a significant difference in the lives of others. Millions of people live with persistent, debilitating pain. People in pain face enormous obstacles — from disbelief on the part of health care providers, employers and even family members and friends to the physical, mental and financial toll pain takes on a person's life. Most people living with pain find a way to keep moving forward every day despite the obstacles they face. A few do it with the grace and courage that inspires us all to continue to educate and validate those who do not have a voice.

Read more about previous Triumph Award winners below:

• Daniel Gottlieb, PhD
• Carlana Stone Lawson
• Lisa Thomas-Laury
• Dennis Kinch
• Kristina Hall
• Cindy Kryjak

Celina Field Caregiver Award
One of the casualties of pain is the family — family relationships can suffer because of a loved one's pain. Caregivers, whether they are health care providers, family members or friends, are the unsung heroes of people living with pain. The Celina Field Caregiver Award recognizes an individual for excellence in caregiving and his or her devotion to helping those living with pain.

Read more about previous Celina Field Caregiver Award winners below:

• Theresa Bohle-Paupst

• Retha Caldwell

• Harry Hind

• Shirley Groswird

• Jim and Catherine Hemmenway

The John C. Oakley, MD, Pioneers in Pain Medicine Award
Named for pain medicine pioneer and patient champion John Oakley, the John C. Oakley, MD, Pioneers in Pain Medicine Award honors health care professionals who demonstrate a passion for patient care and a commitment to improving pain medicine as a science.

Read more about previous Pioneers in Pain Medicine Award winners below:

• Lee A. Fleisher, MD, and Dwight L. Evans, MD
• John C. Oakley, MD
• Björn Eek, MD, and Richard Derby, MD

The Mission of the John C. Oakley Fund is:
To honor the legacy of Dr. Oakley's compassionate care to patients with chronic pain by:

• Supporting his search for better methods of pain management through clinical research and new technologies.
• Honoring his gift of teaching through support of educational opportunities for patients and physicians.
• Honoring his faith by continuing his exploration of pain and spirituality.
• Honoring his pursuit of excellence in care by supporting and encouraging physicians going into pain management.