Tracy Jones has been dealing with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD) for several years now.  She is married and is a mother of two sons.  Her entire family is very supportive and do all they can, but the medical bills are insurmountable.  Her family has been involved with many equine activities over the years.  Tracy is also trying to help others by creating a support system for RSD patients.   Her website is www.freewebs.com/oklahomarsdcrpsupport.com.  Lona Smith of Tri-K along with other friends and family members want to put on a benefit barrel race to help her.  This is an open jackpot.  A concession will be available.  All proceeds from jackpot and concession (after expenses) will go to the benefit of Tracy and her efforts.

RSD pain can be anywhere in the body where there are nerves. Most commonly in the four extremities but some people have it in other areas such as eyes, ears, back, face, etc.   What does it feel like? Well, if you had it in your hand, imagine your hand was doused in gasoline, lit on fire, and then kept that way 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you knew it was never going to be put out. Now imagine it both hands, arms, legs, feet; well, you get the picture.  The second component to RSD is what is called Allodynia which is an extreme sensitivity to touch, sound, and/or vibration. Imagine that same hand now has the skin all burned off and is completely raw. Next, rub some salt on top of it and then rub some sandpaper on top of that! THAT is allodynia!  Any normal touch will cause pain; your clothing, the gentle touch of a loved one, a sheet, rain, shower, razor, hairbrush, shoe, someone brushing by you in a crowded hallway, etc. In addition, sounds, especially loud or deep sounds and vibrations, will also cause pain; a school bell, thunder, loud music, crowds, singing, yelling, sirens, traffic, kids screaming, loud wind, even the sound in a typical movie theatre. Imagine going through your daily life where everything that you touch, or that touches you, where most every noise around you from a passing car or plane to children playing, causes you pain. In addition to the enormous pain you are already experiencing from the RSD itself. Imagine living with that pain and allodynia 24 hours a day, every day, for months, years, and longer.