Empowering Young Adults
with Chronic Conditions to
Live Boldly
FEATURED PODCAST EPISODE
1 in 4 Young Adults is living with a Chronic Health Condition, often invisible to the naked eye.
They are…
“We call ourselves Young Invisibles (Yi) because the world doesn’t see us - our conditions are often invisible. We also hide our conditions, for fear we’ll be misunderstood, ignored or judged.”
OUR VISION AND MISSIONWe wish for a world that embraces young adults with chronic conditions + their families so they can thrive & dream.
We are creating places for Yi and families to be heard and seen; share and connect; and identify and push for change on the ground, state and national levels.
Invisible Ambassadors:
Changing the Culture for Young Invisibles through Social Health
Social health: the health and well-being that comes from connection and community. It is about relationships and feeling supported, valued, and loved. It is equally important as physical and mental health.
The Problem
Young adults, often seen as healthy, face huge challenges due to a lack of dedicated care. Over 20 million young Americans with chronic conditions must navigate a healthcare system designed for older adults. This gap impacts not only them but also their families. Beyond healthcare, society, higher education, and the workplace lack the support needed to help them succeed, creating barriers to their goals and futures.
The Solution
Young Invisibles and their families must become a national priority, offering a chance to innovate and address their unique needs. By collaborating across health systems, businesses, and government, we can create a 21st-century model of care that supports their health and participation in society. Join Invisible Wave to drive policy changes, build supportive communities, and push for meaningful grassroots solutions.
The Wave
is a movement to transform the world to fully include young adults with chronic conditions. We have given this a lot of thought and dedicated over 20 years to analyze the state of society and care for these young adults. Below are the key areas we are fighting to change:
Access to Support
We fight for a society that offers unwavering support and tangible opportunities for young adults living with chronic conditions. Their potential must be recognized and nurtured.
Inclusive Education
We advocate for Higher Ed to fully accommodate and support the unique health, educational and life needs of students with chronic conditions, ensuring they have the resources to thrive, graduate, and succeed.
Civil Rights Protections
We fight to ensure that disability laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, are fully inclusive of the specific needs of young adults with chronic health conditions, safeguarding their rights at every stage of life.
Health Care
We demand that health systems evolve to provide consistent, high-quality, age-appropriate care for young adults with chronic conditions. Their unique needs must be met, not overlooked.
Workplace Equity
We push for workplaces that cultivate a culture of support, offering meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities tailored to the abilities and ambitions of young adults with chronic conditions.
Support for Families
We press for recognizing that families carry the overwhelming weight of caring for these young adults given the void of systems of care. Parents, siblings, and partners need mental & physical health care and support in education and work.
Join the Wave
Join the Movement
Be the change you want to see for young adults with chronic conditions. Engage with our brave young adults, amplify their voices, and be part of a growing community pushing for equality and dignity. If you have a story to share, we invite you to join us for a podcast interview. The world needs to hear your voice—let’s make waves together.
Become a Volunteer
Lend your time and talents to fuel the wave of change. The Wave is seeking volunteers in key areas such as fundraising, outreach, event planning, and digital advocacy. Whether you’re helping to organize iW Socials, expanding our online presence through social media, or managing our website, your contributions will help us grow stronger and reach further.
Consider a Donation
Your donation, whether personal or corporate, can be the ripple that creates lasting impact. Financial support allows us to host events, like Socials and Pop-Ups, and advocate for our cause on Capitol Hill. With your help, we can carry our message across the country, ensuring that young adults with chronic conditions are heard on the national stage.
No matter how you choose to support the Wave, your generosity drives our mission forward. Together, we’re creating a wave of change—thank you for being a part of it.
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Contact us.
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, suggestions, or just want to connect, feel free to reach out to us.
For podcast inquiries, please contact us at podcast@invisiblewave.org
For ambassador inquiries, please contact us at ambassadors@invisiblewave.org