May 1st - June 30th, 2026

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Women living with chronic illness are at the heart of our community. At the Center for Chronic Illness, we recognize that these individuals are often balancing complex health challenges while navigating caregiving roles, careers, families, and daily life with resilience and strength. Women are disproportionately affected by chronic illness with at least 60% of women in the U.S. having at least one chronic condition, and 42% having two or more. Approximately 78% of autoimmune disease patients are women and twice as many women as men live with arthritis, one of the most common chronic illnesses. Research indicates that women not only experience chronic pain more frequently but also report it as more severe and with greater functional impairment compared to men. And women are more likely to have negative experiences in the healthcare setting and experience medical trauma and medical gaslighting. Not surprisingly, 73% of our CCI community identifies as women, underscoring the importance of offering programs that are responsive to their lived experiences and needs.

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During the months of May and June, we are intentionally bringing the focus toward women impacted by chronic illness and launching a virtual initiative dedicated to raising funds in support of women impacted by chronic illness. While we will miss gathering together in person, this new format allows us to extend our reach and deepen our impact, ensuring more women can access the support, education, compassion, and connection they deserve, no matter where they live.

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Your support makes our programs possible. Donations made during this campaign directly sustain our support groups and educational program offerings designed to reduce isolation and foster connection among women navigating chronic illness. Together, we can continue building a community where women feel seen, supported, and never alone in their journey.

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All donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $2,500! Make a donation today at the link below in support of women living with chronic illness.