Hello, my name is Kim and I’m a runner. On Sunday October 17, 2021 I ran the Scotiabank half marathon. My goal was to bring awareness to my community of family and friends about HS, and to collect any donation amount to help HS Heroes in providing further education and awareness as well.

Once upon a time, I felt like I was so alone, but have since realized there is a whole community of support and knowledge. It's not going to happen overnight, and it will take some time, but keep your head up!

You might have just been diagnosed, but know that this is not the end of the world and you can be healthy, beautiful, strong, rich or smart. JUST NEVER GIVE UP!

be your own advocate. It’s going to take time to figure out what’s best for you, and you’ll have days where you don’t want to stick to the plan. Just know it’s okay to have some off days and don’t apply pressure to yourself to do more than you can. 

One tip I would tell someone who has recently been diagnosed with HS is that if you have pain, to acknowledge it instead of putting it aside and ignoring it. If I could say anything to an HS Hero who is struggling, I would tell them that I know it is hard but to keep fighting and they will get through it just fine.

I’m Hana, I’ve had HS for 10 years. I’m a PR specialist and I’ll be starting my PhD in Political Science next fall. I’m passionate about animal rights, social justice and feminism. I like to run and learn Beyoncé’s dance moves.

Telling people was the best thing I could have done. I have not had any negative reaction to having HS, and if someone I know did say something mean or negative to me about it, I would not keep in touch with them. Simple as that!

Healthy living has been the biggest factor in the treatment of my HS. I tried other medical routes (ie. anti-biotics, Humira, etc). It wasn’t until I saw a Naturopath and was tested for food sensitivities that I made some major life changes and noticed a difference in my HS!

Hey! I’m Chelsea! I love to cook, travel, and spend time with friends. I am always up for a new adventure. I enjoy laughing and I try to find the fun in everything. Life is short, so you might as well spend it having fun.⁠

Hi I'm James. The only hobby I have is raising awareness of HS in Scotland in the past I've meet Scottish health minister, Scotland's first minister, and just recently I had a petition with the Scottish Government asking for a HS clinic. It got turned down but not to worry I'll do it all again in a years time.