People living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a painful and often isolating skin condition, now have a chance to connect both in person and online at the upcoming I Reclaim HS Summit. This event, organized by the Association of Hidradenitis Suppurativa & Inflammatory Diseases (AHSID), aims to build support and share information within the HS community. The summit will take place from June 6 to June 8 in Detroit, Michigan.
HS affects up to 2% of Americans, but many who live with the condition say it can feel very lonely. Jasmine Espy, the founder and CEO of AHSID who also has HS, says the event focuses not only on physical health but also on the mental and emotional challenges of living with the disease. She hopes the summit will help attendees reconnect with their bodies and leave with tools that have a lasting impact.
The event is unique because it is patient-led and designed to empower those affected by HS. The condition causes painful skin lesions, abscesses, fatigue, and other difficult symptoms. Imani Futrell, who was diagnosed with HS as a teenager and spoke at last year’s summit, describes the event as transformational. She says it has helped her find healing and strength through community support.
Last year’s inaugural summit brought together 100 people, with 69 attending in person and the rest joining virtually. The program included sessions led by experts, opportunities for community connection, wellness activities, and access to valuable resources. Espy notes that one important lesson from the first event was the strong desire for people with HS to connect with both expert knowledge and each other. Many attendees were moved emotionally, showing that a smaller gathering can still have a big impact.
This year, AHSID plans to expand the event to host 150 people in person, along with more virtual participants who cannot travel to Detroit. The theme for 2025 is “Blossoming Into Freedom,” reflecting the goal of helping HS patients be seen for who they truly are, not just for their condition. Espy explains that the theme encourages attendees to embrace themselves and their community fully and to be celebrated for their strength and resilience.
Futrell says living with HS has often made her feel isolated. She finds power in entering a space where others understand her experience, describing the event as healing parts of herself that lacked support in the past.
One of the highlights of the summit is the HS Warrior Makeover, which Espy likens to a “Queer Eye” experience tailored for people with HS. Advocates are invited to apply for tickets, airfare, accommodations, and a makeover by a well-known Detroit stylist. The reveal aims to show the community that self-expression through style can boost confidence, even when dealing with a visible and challenging disease. Espy shares that during her own struggle with HS, she had stopped caring about her appearance due to fear and discomfort but hopes the makeover can inspire others to reclaim their sense of self.
Gloriel Veillard, who received a makeover last year, calls the experience life-changing. She praises the summit for focusing on the needs of attendees and shares that the knowledge she gained has helped her educate others about HS.
The 2025 summit will also feature sessions on the latest research and treatments for HS, making complex information accessible. Attendees can participate in workshops on self-acceptance and self-love, led by community activists and healers. Another session will address insurance challenges, helping patients understand prior authorizations and how to advocate for necessary care.
Registration remains open for both in-person and virtual attendance. While joining a room full of people who understand HS can feel intimidating, participants say it can also be liberating. Futrell encourages those considering the event, saying it is a space built on love, compassion, and deep understanding. She promises attendees may start uncertain but will leave feeling part of a larger, supportive community.
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