Morning Yoga with Imani
Location: Calm Room
When we experience flares, our bodies tense up to manage pain—whether adjusting our posture to avoid pressure on an abscess or holding our body in a way that minimizes discomfort. This physical and emotional tension can be difficult to release due to the chronic nature of HS. To offer relief, we’re partnering with a local Detroit yoga instructor living with HS. She will guide attendees in reconnecting with their bodies, releasing tension, and stretching to support healing while considering the limitations of living with HS.
Advances in HS Research & Therapies
Location: main stage
This session is for anyone curious about the latest research and HS treatment and care advancements. It breaks down the science in simple, easy-to-understand language—no complicated medical terms—making it informative and accessible for all.
Navigating Intimacy with HS
Location: main stage
Intimacy can be challenging for anyone, but with a chronic disease like HS, especially one affecting intimate areas, exploring desires can feel out of reach. This session explores navigating intimacy with HS, offering guidance on how to explore in safe, supportive, and healing ways.
Wound Care Strategies & Management
Location: main stage
It’s common in our community to use things like pads and paper tissue to stop drainage as everyday wound care and management. While this may be convenient it’s not often the most effective thing to do longterm. This session provides affordable and practical ways to manage wounds daily and care for wounds at home or on the go.
Styling You:
Your Guide to Mastering Your Fit
Location: Breakout Room A
We are firm believers that when you look good, you feel good. Everyone has a wardrobe and personal style whether they know it or not, and when you have a bunch of bandages all over your body or are leaking from a single or multiple areas, it can feel overwhelming to find something that supports your needs while keeping you looking good. Overall social influencer, and patient Aaronica Cole, along with stylist Aarika Walton will walk you through how to look your best not matter the situation.
Mirror Work 2.0:
Starting With You In The Mirror
Location: main stage
Looking at our bodies can be challenging, often stirring feelings of loss of control over our appearance, how others perceive us, or our ability to navigate daily life. These pressures can erode our connection to ourselves, leading to depression, anxiety, loneliness, and shame. NaJaRee Nixon, a community activist, astrologer, and reiki and somatic healer, returns with her popular Mirror Work session, guiding attendees toward acceptance and radical self-love.
So, You’ve Never Been Diagnosed with HS?
Location: main stage
It takes an average of 7 to 10 years for someone with HS to receive a proper diagnosis, often facing misdiagnoses, misinformation, and inadequate treatment along the way. Recognizing that not everyone at the summit or in the HS community has a formal diagnosis, we’re offering insights into how HS is diagnosed and the challenges the medical community faces. This knowledge empowers individuals to advocate for themselves and guide their care effectively.
Let’s Talk About Surgery for HS
Location: main stage
Surgery isn’t the only treatment option for HS, but it’s important to understand when it’s necessary, how to choose the right surgeon, what questions to ask, and how to manage wound care afterward. This session offers expert guidance from one of the nation’s leading HS surgeons.
A Bite of Something Good:
Cooking Demo and Nutrition Guide for Wound Healing and Wellness
Location: Breakout Room A
Eating for wound healing and wellness isn’t about bland salads—it’s about understanding your body’s needs and choosing supportive foods. Join private chef, nutritionist, and HS patient Cristina Maria Curp for a live cooking demo featuring anti-inflammatory dishes you’ll learn to make and taste firsthand.
Back to the Body:
Morning Meditation with Sabrina
Location: calm room
Morning meditation has been scientifically shown to reduce things like anxiety and depression by calming the body and mind, helping you recharge for the day. This session is led by yoga instructor and HS patient Sabrina.
Beyond HS:
Linking HS to Other Inflammatory Diseases
Location: main stage
Living with HS can be overwhelming, especially when combined with other health conditions. Managing these challenges is possible with the right tools, guidance, and support. In this session, a leading specialist will discuss common HS comorbidities, their treatment, and management strategies.
The Trauma We Endure For Our Health
Location: main stage
Many in our community share stories of traumatic experiences while seeking medical care, often stirring up hesitation to seek help again. We can be left wondering; what tools can heal? How does advocacy shift these environments and prevent this from happening to others? In this session, a leading social worker will discuss the impact of medical trauma, pathways to healing, and strategies for self-advocacy while fostering self-forgiveness.
Busting Myths About HS
Location: main stage
With the rise of HS awareness, especially on social media, misinformation about the disease, its causes, and potential cures has become widespread. To help separate fact from fiction, a leading HS specialist will clarify the truth in a safe and supportive environment.
Prior Authorizations:
A Patient’s Guide to Navigating Insurance
Location: main stage
Prior authorizations create significant barriers to treatment for HS patients, often preventing access to medications that could greatly improve symptoms and quality of life. This session, led by an advocate and business owner with experience helping hundreds of patients, will explain prior authorizations, how to navigate the system, and how to advocate effectively when care is denied.
Somatic Healing for HS
Location: breakout room A
What is somatic healing, and how can it address the emotional and mental strain of living with HS? In this session, two expert somatic healers specializing in sound bowl and reiki therapy will introduce attendees to holistic techniques that go beyond traditional medicine to heal the body and transform the mind.
Navigating Online Harassment
Location: breakout room A
Sharing your HS story can be challenging, especially when facing online trolls or bullies. In this session, Dr. Ka’Lyn Coghill will teach attendees how to handle online harassment, overcome fear, and confidently share their stories.
Influencer 101:
How to Tell Your HS Story
Location: main stage
Ready to share your story and become an influencer or advocate in the HS community? Join Cassandra (HS Bites), Imani (Mott’s World), and Jasmine Espy (Who is Ivanna?), in a session moderated by social media strategist Gabrielle Lane. Learn practical steps to start your journey, connect with your audience, and make an impact in the community.
HS Patient Makeover & Closing Ceremony
Location: main stage
Last year, through an open call, we selected two HS patients whose self-care and beauty journeys were shaped by their experiences with HS. To help support them on their journey to self-discovery, winners received a full makeover, three new outfits, VIP summit tickets, a three-day hotel stay, and flights. This year, we’re doing it again for two more community members ready to revamp their wardrobes and boost their confidence. The makeovers will be part of our closing ceremony, wrapping the summit with gratitude and celebration.