Empowering Young Adults
with Chronic Conditions to
Live Boldly

FEATURED PODCAST EPISODE

Powered by RedCircle

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 MISSION

We 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.

Latest Updates

Follow us on Instagram

For young adults with chronic illnesses, the healthcare system often feels like a full-time job. Between appointments, tests, and treatments, it can feel overwhelming just to keep up. But it doesn’t have to be this way. ✨ Let’s talk abou
🎗 Nearly 800,000 Americans face serious harm or death each year due to diagnostic errors—many of them young adults with chronic illnesses. For those navigating life with a chronic condition, a correct and timely diagnosis isn’t just a m
November is National Caregivers Month, but the conversation often focuses on adults caring for elderly loved ones. We need to broaden this perspective. Millions of parents are caregiving for children with chronic conditions, often without recognition
Financial stress, lack of belonging, and family responsibilities are just a few reasons students struggle to stay in school. For those with chronic illnesses, these pressures are even more challenging. We must support our #YoungInvisibles by advocati
America spends the most on health care, yet we have some of the worst health outcomes. As we approach the 2024 election, our healthcare system is at a crossroads. Millennials and Gen Z should ask candidates when they will address young adult health:
Spooky season is here, but if you’re dealing with chronic fatigue, it’s important to pace yourself. You can still enjoy Halloween by choosing low-energy activities, planning rest breaks, and setting boundaries. 🎃💤 Remember: Halloween i

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