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In this heartfelt episode of Hidradenitis SuppuraDivas, Brin and Cyd are joined by the incredible Cassandra (@h.s.bites) — teen advocate, HS Warrior, jazz musician, and leader of the HS Connect Teen Group.

Diagnosed at 13 after years of painful symptoms, Cassandra opens up about navigating HS while in foster care, finally being taken seriously by a dermatologist, and what it meant to see “hidradenitis suppurativa” written in her chart for the first time.

This conversation dives deep into:

✨ Growing up with HS as a teen
✨ The emotional toll of delayed care and being dismissed
✨ Stress as a trigger and protecting your mental health
✨ Pivoting when something isn’t working (including changing colleges)
✨ Dorm accommodations, medication storage, and practical teen tips
✨ Why community is life-changing for young people with HS
✨ The power of storytelling in advocacy

Cassandra shares how leading the HS Connect Teen Group has helped her feel less alone — and how teens are supporting each other through real-life challenges like relationships, school accommodations, biologic storage, and flare triggers.

One of the most powerful takeaways?
You are not failing if you choose what’s healthiest for you.

Advocacy starts with knowing you deserve care — mentally, physically, and emotionally.

💜 Resources & Community

Find support groups, teen resources, advocacy tools, and educational materials at:
👉 HSConnect.org

Follow the conversation:
📲 Instagram: @hsconnectorg
📲 Instagram: @socialcydd
📲 Special Guest: @h.s.bites

If this episode resonated with you, share it with another HS Warrior and help us continue amplifying patient voices. You are not alone — and your story matters. 💜

This podcast was made possible by our sponsor Moonlake, and past sponsors UCB and Sanofi.

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In this powerful episode of Hidradenitis SuppuraDivas, Brin and Cyd are joined by special guest Ashley Dalton (@callmedalton2) — HS Warrior, advocate, and founder of the very first HS 5K “Move or Mingle” event.

Ashley shares her journey of living with hidradenitis suppurativa since age 13, navigating a delayed diagnosis, undergoing multiple surgeries, and learning how to advocate for herself when doctors initially dismissed her concerns.

This episode covers:

✨ The emotional impact of delayed diagnosis
✨ What it feels like to finally see “HS” on your medical chart
✨ Surgical treatment options, including secondary intention healing and CO2 laser surgery
✨ Recurrence, remission, and realistic expectations
✨ The power of community and finding your HS family
✨ How sharing your story helps heal you and others
✨ Why it’s okay to switch dermatologists
✨ Educating your providers when they don’t know HS

Ashley’s honesty about surgery, healing, fear, and hope reminds us that there is no single path in HS treatment — and that community changes everything.

One of the most powerful moments? The validation that comes from hearing, “You’re not crazy. You’re not alone.”

Resources & Support

Find educational tools, support groups, advocacy resources, and more at:
👉 HSConnect.org

Follow the conversation and stay connected:
📲 Instagram: @hsconnectorg
📲 Instagram: @socialcydd
📲 Special Guest: @callmedalton2

If this episode resonated with you, share it with another HS Warrior and continue amplifying patient voices. You are not alone in this. 💜

This podcast was made possible by our sponsor Moonlake, and past sponsors UCB and Sanofi.

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Welcome back to Season 5 of The Hidradenitis SuppuraDivas! 💜

In this episode, Brin and Cyd dive into one of the most overwhelming parts of living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS): navigating the healthcare system.

From building your medical team to maximizing those 7-minute dermatology appointments, this conversation is all about reclaiming your voice as a patient. If you've ever felt dismissed, rushed, unsure how to ask for what you need, or overwhelmed by insurance barriers — this episode is for you.

We talk about:

✨ Finding a dermatologist who truly sees and validates you
✨ Why it’s okay (and necessary) to switch providers
✨ How to prepare for appointments so you make the most of your time
✨ Prior authorizations and insurance hurdles
✨ Biologic access and pharmaceutical assistance programs
✨ The power of patient advocacy and storytelling
✨ Why your support group belongs on your medical team

The healthcare system may feel broken — but you are not powerless in it. Advocacy starts with preparation, confidence, and community.

If you’re navigating HS care right now, know this:
You deserve to feel heard.
You deserve proper treatment.
And you deserve a team that works for you.

🔗 Resources & Support

Find tools, prior authorization templates, advocacy resources, and community support at:
👉 HSConnect.org

Follow for education, updates, and community:
📲 Instagram: @hsconnectorg
📲 Instagram: @socialcydd

If this episode helped you, share it with another HS warrior. See you next episode 💜

This podcast was made possible by our sponsor Moonlake, and past sponsors UCB and Sanofi.