Day 3 - Lilly Stairs - The Power of Patient Communities & Network Advocacy

What does ambition look like when you're living with a chronic condition? How do you build a vibrant life and career when your body requires you to work smarter, not harder?In this candid and inspiring fireside chat, Dr. Kara Wada sits down with internationally recognized patient advocate and entrepreneur, Lilly Stairs. Lilly shares her personal story of being diagnosed with three autoimmune diseases at age 19 and the "identity quake" that followed. She discusses how she redefined ambition, the crucial difference between support from family and support from peers, and the power of setting boundaries to say "yes" to yourself and your dreams.Tune in to this powerful conversation to learn how to navigate your career with chronic illness, find a community that truly "gets it," and hear the simple, reassuring message you might need to hear most: you're still going to live a beautiful, vibrant life.SESSION IN A GLANCE00:00 Introduction02:44 The 'Identity Quake' of a Diagnosis at 1906:43 Redefining Ambition with a Chronic Condition09:19 Finding Your People: The Importance of Peer Support14:00 The Power of Boundaries in Your Work and Life16:30 How to Advocate for Accommodations in the Workplace20:29 The One Thing I Wish Someone Had Told Me23:03 Where to Find and Connect with LillyABOUT LILLY STAIRSLilly Stairs is an internationally recognized patient advocate, serial entrepreneur, and sought-after speaker. Diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases, she is the Founder of the Chronic Boss Collective, a networking membership for ambitious business women with chronic conditions, and Patient Authentic, a consultancy that helps healthcare organizations build meaningful experiences for patient advocates. Lilly serves as the Board Chair of the Autoimmune Association, dedicating her life to empowering the autoimmune community.CONNECT WITH LILLY STAIRSWebsite → https://www.chronicbosscollective.com/LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilly-stairs/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs/?hl=enInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/chronicbosscoABOUT THE VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMITThe Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.