About Us

Our Story

CHYP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, founded by international pediatric pain expert, Dr. Lonnie Zeltzer.

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Dr. Zeltzer is an invited member of the CDC’s Special Advisory on the State of Opioids in America, the FDA’s Committee on Analgesia, Anesthesia, and Addiction.

As a pediatric pain doctor, Dr. Zeltzer has been treating children who suffer from chronic pain for over thirty years. Having seen children visit multiple doctors, undergo numerous tests, and take many medications with no end to their pain, it became clear that something is needed to help more children than she could see in her practice.

In Dr. Zeltzer’s decades of working as a pediatric pain expert, the number one issue that children and teens with chronic pain face is feeling alone. Due to their pain, most can no longer play sports, attend school, or participate in social functions. They become more and more isolated, which is a factor that leads to self-doubt. Doctors, friends, and families often do not even believe that the pain is real! When most of Dr. Zeltzer’s patients come to her, they feel others believe they are making it up or are “crazy.” These thoughts alone can cause more problems, such as anxiety or depression. Through CHYP, Dr. Zeltzer spreads the life-saving message that chronic pain is real, it can be helped, and teens are not alone.

The Problem

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  • Between 15-35% of U.S. teens have chronic pain
  • If pain is not addressed during adolescence, it will continue into adulthood for 70%
  • The average teen who finds CHYP has already:
    • Visited between 14-50 doctors
    • Undergone numerous tests and procedures
    • Stopped going to school
    • Quit hobbies
    • Felt like no one understands
  • They are told they are “seeking attention,” “faking,” or “crazy.” In turn, the teen begins to believe this, while still suffering from pain.

Our Impact

Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP) provides all online educational resources, social support, and creative healing programs to reduce common healthcare barriers like cost, location, socioeconomic status, and much more.

Our Partners