There are moments in this journey that remind you why you started.
Our recent trip to Washington D.C. with the Autoimmune Association was one of those moments.
We traveled to advocate for better research, better policies, and better support for the autoimmune community, but what we came back with was so much more.
Here are 5 things we learned that we want to share with you.
1. You Are Not Alone, Even When It Feels Like It
Autoimmune disease can feel incredibly isolating.
For many, symptoms are invisible. The struggles are quiet. And the journey can feel like something you have to carry on your own.
But being in a room filled with people who get it, patients, practitioners, advocates, was a powerful reminder:
There is a whole community walking this path with you.
There is something deeply healing about being seen without having to explain yourself.
And that kind of connection? It matters more than we often give it credit for.
2. There Is Power in Being Visible Together
One of the most impactful parts of this trip was showing up together.
As a group, we walked into congressional offices not just as individuals, but as a collective voice for millions of Americans living with autoimmune disease.
And that visibility matters.
Autoimmune disease is often overlooked—not because it isn’t important, but because it isn’t always visible.
But when we stand together, we become impossible to ignore.
3. Research Is the Missing Link, and It Needs Support
We spent time advocating for increased funding for autoimmune disease research, especially through the Office of Autoimmune Disease Research.
Because the reality is:
- Up to 50 million Americans are affected
- Yet autoimmune disease receives only 3% of research funding
- And there is still no fully coordinated national approach
This is why organizations like the National Institutes of Health and the work of the OADR are so important. Our ask is simple: increase funding from $10 million to $120 million, not by adding more, but by better allocating existing funds to reflect the number of people affected.
We cannot solve what we are not studying. Better research means:
- Earlier diagnoses
- More effective treatments
- More centers offering excellence in care around the country
4. Advocacy Starts with People Who Care Deeply
What stood out most was not just the policy conversations—but the people behind them.
We had the honor of being alongside incredible leaders, including Autoimmune Association founder Virginia Ladd, who has dedicated decades to advancing awareness for autoimmune disease, as well as emerging advocates like Ally Woodard, named 2026 Advocate of the Year for her global awareness efforts—lighting up over 75 landmarks across 15 countries in purple and pink in honor of Autoimmune Awareness Month.
These are individuals who:
- Have lived this journey
- Have supported others through it
- And have chosen to turn that experience into action
It was a powerful reminder that change doesn’t start in policy—it starts in people.
5. Representation and Community Matter More Than Ever
A very meaningful part of this experience was connecting with advocates who are expanding what support looks like in this space.
We had the honor of spending time with Emmitt Henderson III from Male Lupus Warriors, who has created a space dedicated to men navigating autoimmune disease—something that is so often overlooked. Emmitt also advocates for the importance of living donors.
We also connected with AIP Certified Coach and founder of the AIP BIPOC Network, Jamie Nicole, whose work is helping bring visibility, education, and support to Black and Brown communities within the autoimmune space.
These pioneers are shaping the future of autoimmune health. Because true healing and true progress require inclusion, representation, and access for everyone.
We also had the chance to reconnect with Mickey Trescott and Jaime Hartman from the AIP Certified Coach program, and discuss exciting projects currently in the works around AIP, including Mickey’s upcoming book - the New Autoimmune Protocol, which you can pre-order here.
Why This Matters to Urban AIP
Urban AIP was built from personal experience.
From navigating autoimmune disease.
From searching for answers.
From wanting something better—for ourselves, and for this community.
What we do through food is one piece of a much larger mission.
Being in D.C. reinforced something we’ve always believed:
Supporting healing isn’t just about what’s on your plate— it’s also about advocating for the systems that impact your health.
We are committed not only to nourishing you through our meals, but also to showing up for you—in the rooms where decisions are being made.
Our hope is that this work contributes to a future where medically tailored meals are recognized as an essential part of care—and are covered by insurance—so that healing support is not a privilege, but something accessible to all.
Final Thoughts
This trip reminded us of the importance of one of the Autoimmune Protocol's lifestyle pillars. Something simple, but powerful:
Connection is medicine.
To feel seen.
To feel heard.
To stand alongside others who understand your journey.
That kind of support can change everything. And it’s something we will never take for granted.
If you were there with us in spirit—thank you.
If you’re walking this journey, know that you are not alone.
We’re in this together 💛
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1. Why is advocacy important for autoimmune disease awareness?
Answer: Advocacy is critical because autoimmune diseases affect up to 50 million Americans but receive limited research funding and visibility. By advocating for increased funding, better policies, and national coordination, communities can drive earlier diagnoses, improved treatments, and more accessible care.
FAQ 2. How does community support impact people with autoimmune disease?
Answer: Community support plays a vital role in healing by reducing isolation and providing shared understanding. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can improve emotional well-being, increase access to resources, and reinforce that individuals are not alone in their journey.