Articles

I have thought this many times over the last 14 years while advocating...Then, every once in a while, I’m shown again why I do this and why I enjoy doing...

Endometrial cancer is the most common type of gynecological cancer in the United States, accounting for about 66,000 new cases each year. And it is the sixth most common cancer...

Oftentimes it is scary to let your employer know that you have a chronic illness. It can be a time where you may fear there may be some retaliation because...

The Social Health Network recently gathered for its final Patient Leadership Council (PLC) meeting of 2024. In this meeting, Health Leaders spanning many condition spaces were invited and asked to...

Since we launched the Patient Leader Certification in 2023, we've had hundreds of Patient Leaders expand their knowledge base with the program. The Patient Leader Certification Program is the only...

Colon cancer is rising among young people, yet its symptoms are often overlooked due to age related biases. In 2024, colorectal cancer became the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in...

Advocating for chronic illness on social media is no walk in the park. We face a myriad of challenges, from trolls peddling snake oil to well-meaning but misguided advice-givers who...

As an online health advocate for eczema warriors, it has often felt overwhelming for me to navigate the many online social media distractions of what is popular versus what content...

Living with a chronic illness and/or disability can weigh heavily on a person. So when someone with a disability or chronic illness gets any sort of spotlight, it can be...

Do you have a great relationship with your primary or speciality doctor? When I ask people I know this question, they often say no. If "no" is the answer then...

Chronic illness is no laughing matter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some laughs when we advocate about it. Our bodies are always joking around with us, so it’s only right...

Anyone else used to be a fiery advocate and now you feel more like a slightly warm teabag? You know those times when your emails sometimes bounce off your inbox...

Addressing your advocacy comes with huge responsibilities, especially for those who bring their vocal experiences to a larger public audience. We establish and build our advocacy network with others who...

Have you heard that you can be compensated for your advocacy work? It is a true statement. It might not happen as soon as you start your advocacy journey but...

When I first started my psoriasis advocacy, I was on fire to help make any changes that I could. Over 10 years later and I am still very much on...

Sometimes as an online health advocate I question if it is ethical for me to make money off my online health advocacy. When I first tried treating my eczema as...

Embarking on a patient advocacy journey is a meaningful and impactful endeavor. However, there are moments when uncertainty creeps in, and you find yourself unsure about the next steps. Here...

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers with proper screening, yet screening rates remain well below a target of 80% in the United States. Colonoscopies remain the gold...

More people may know of chemotherapy or chemo as a cancer treatment. But immunotherapy is gaining traction, and for good reason. Immunotherapy is a promising advancement in the treatment of...

In my journey as a chronic illness advocate, I frequently encounter ethical dilemmas. These challenges, though complex, are so important to my role. Navigating these ethical issues often requires sensitivity...