July 2023 Newsletter

Meet Our Wellness Week(end) Keynote Speaker

We have some exciting news! Content creator, actor and speaker Shantel Smith will be our keynote speaker at Wellness Week(end), taking place from October 20-22 in Atlanta!

As many of you may know, Shantel gained recognition as a contestant on the hit reality TV show “Survivor.” However, what sets her apart is not just her on-screen presence, but also her unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Shantel, like those of us attending Wellness Week(end), is also living with multiple sclerosis. VIP ticket holders will have the chance to mingle with Shantel during our exclusive dinner.

We can’t wait to hear from Shantel during our fourth annual Wellness Week(end)! In the meantime, check out her hilarious, relatable content on Instagram.

Introducing Our New Board Members

We recently welcomed two dynamic professionals to our board of directors — Sonia N. Atsegbua and Shana Green.

Sonia, a seasoned nonprofit professional, joins us with extensive experience in education, fundraising, and program management. Shana brings with her a wealth of experience as a forward-thinking research scientist, who has spent close to a decade developing and evaluating public health programs.

We look forward to the contributions Sonia and Shana will make in our ongoing mission to support Black women living with MS.

We’re First-Time Grantees of This Prestigious Fund!

We’re incredibly honored and humbled to share that We Are ILL has been chosen as a grantee by the prestigious Black Empowerment Fund launched by the California Community Foundation!

This fund supports Black-led initiatives, strengthening long-term sustainability and working towards systemic equity for Black families. This grant will fuel our ongoing work to provide community-centered solutions and services that uplift and empower our community. This recognition is a testament to the power of our collective efforts and the importance of our mission.

We’re grateful to Cal Fund for seeing our potential and for investing in our cause!

Your Support Enables Us to Make an Impact

At We Are ILL, we believe in the strength of our community and the impact we can make together. That’s why your support matters! By making a donation to We Are ILL, you directly contribute to our growth and ability to provide vital resources, programs, and support to our sisters in MS.

Your generosity helps us expand our reach, develop innovative initiatives, and create a supportive environment where everyone feels heard, understood, and empowered. Every dollar counts! Thank you — from the bottom of our hearts — for your continued support.

In Case You Missed It

• July is BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Mental Health Awareness Month. Read more about the significance of this month here.

• Watch WAI’s Ashley Ratcliff on The Advocacy Exchange’s panel discussing “Patient Advocacy Is Integrating Lived Experience in Medicines Development.” 

• Did you know that you can support We Are ILL simply by buying groceries at Food4Less and Ralphs? Here’s how.

• Blog: Travel, Vacation and the Aftermath With MS by Amber Cunningham

• Feeling Generous? Provide a Scholarship for Wellness Week(end)

Upcoming Events

July 13

National MS Society — New to MS: Navigating Your Journey

Thanks to our generous sponsor