About Me:

Hi! I'm Sarah, a third-year Human Physiology (Pre-PA) major who loves crafts, hiking, and spending time at the fire department I work at. I live with multiple chronic illnesses, so I understand the ups and downs of managing health while in college. I'm also the president and founder of the Hawkeye Chronic Health Alliance, where I work to build a supportive community for students with chronic illnesses. Over the years, I've learned a lot about self-advocacy (especially when it comes to doctors), finding very useful resources, and still making space for fun little adventures and connections. I'm so excited to be a mentor and can't wait to get to know you, cheer you on, and help you find resources that make your life a little easier. 

Why I Joined the Mentorship Program: 

When I first came to Iowa, I began developing severe POTS symptoms. I felt awful and couldn't focus on my health and school at the same time, so I ended up dropping my first semester. At that point, I felt lost, like I had let myself down, and I honestly wondered if I'd ever be able to get through college like this. I had a support system, but none of them truly understood what it was like to live with a chronic illness in college. I also didn't know how to advocate for myself or about the amazing resources this university offers that could have helped me through that first semester. 

Now, I'm finally thriving, doing well in my classes, involved on campus, and even working my dream job at a fire department. Having someone who understood what I was going through during my freshman year would have made a huge difference. I joined this program because I want to be that person for someone else and help you feel supported in the ways I wish I had been.

My Experience with Chronic Illness:

I developed POTS symptoms during my freshman year, and about six months later, I was officially diagnosed. Over time, my list of diagnoses grew to include hEDS, thoracic outlet syndrome, piriformis syndrome, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue (and getting tested for MCAS). Through lifestyle changes, I've been able to manage my POTS symptoms much better, but the chronic pain is still something I deal with every day. Living with multiple conditions has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of finding support and resources that truly work for you.

How I Can Help:

• Navigating SDS and accommodations in general

• Managing time and energy when symptoms fluctuate

• Self-advocacy when it comes to professors and healthcare providers

• Finding and connecting to campus resources

• Balancing academics with self-care and rest

• Honestly, just sitting and venting or doing something completely unrelated to get your mind off things

Availability:

Anytime before noon or after 5 pm on weekdays, some flexibility on weekends.

About Me:

I’m a non-traditional student (I’m 50), but that helps me know how to work with professors, which also gives me the confidence to try non-traditional things when getting through life. I love studying at coffee shops and in the library. I’m passionate about helping others, not letting their disabilities be limitations, by finding appropriate accommodations, and making sure that we receive them.

Why I Joined the Mentorship Program: 

School can be hard, especially when you have the challenges of chronic illness, and there aren’t always people who understand that. That, combined with having just finished my bachelor's degree, and now working in graduate school, I want other disabled students to know that you can achieve everything else everybody without our challenges does, sometimes we just have to do it a little bit different.

My Experience with Chronic Illness:

I have both physical health issues and mental health issues. Trying to balance both of those with school and social interactions has been a challenge; sometimes, just physically getting around campus is a challenge. I’ve been disabled pretty much my whole life. And it can get real hard and real dark sometimes, but with community, we can meet and go through whatever challenges show up.

How I Can Help:

 Self-advocacy with faculty and staff is a huge part of having a successful college experience, and I’m really great at that. Balancing academics with self-care and rest is vital. I’m a real big believer in finding ways to make studying as comfortable for your body as possible. I’m also a great cheerleader. Sometimes we just need somebody to listen and hear us out and tell us we can do it, and I’m 100% here for that.

Availability:

I’m on campus most days. I have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I come into my office fairly regularly on non-class days. So if you wanna hang out and study or actually get together to talk, I’m usually available.

About Me: 

Hey! I’m a 3rd year design and enterprise leadership double major. I love staying active and being creative. I listen to music ALL of the time and like hearing new genres. I’m passionate about helping others navigate chronic illness while on campus. I work for the Daily Iowan and have been a part of the American Advertising Federation and the Leadership Development Association.

Why I Joined the Mentorship Program: 

Coming to college, I felt like I could do anything/be hyper independent. I quickly learned that I would need people who understood my situation as I managed multiple flare-ups with change, struggled to remember to take my medicine because the location threw me off, and felt with mismanagement of prescription transfers. It was exhausting. I’m here to help the hyper-independent college kids use their resources without feeling like it takes away their strength.

How I Can Help:

• Navigating SDS and reaching out to profs

• Social connection

• Managing activity and flare-ups

• Finding balance

• Shoulder to lean on

Availability:

Monday and Wednesday afternoons.

About Me:

Hihi!! This is my second year studying speech and hearing science! I love hanging out with my friends and meeting new people, getting things done, playing video games, and I'm always doing something with my hands! I'm super excited to be able to meet new people this year!

Why I Joined the Mentorship Program: 

I have a handful of chronic conditions I'm dealing with right now, and learning to manage them at the same time as I'm learning to manage a busy college life has been really tough. I deal with a lot of things, from chronic fatigue to slipping ribs, and I wish I had someone who was able to give me some of their wisdom. Now that I'm back for my second year, I've learned a lot! I'm hoping to be that someone for a person in the same spot I was!

My Experience with Chronic Illness:

My biggest issue at the moment is POTS, and I'm currently seeking a diagnosis for hEDS. I used to be an athlete, so transitioning from being so athletic to having to take it much easier on myself was really hard. Doctors haven't always been the nicest to me either, and seeking a diagnosis or help with symptom management has been even harder. Having to deal with it on my own as I move away from home has definitely had its challenges, but I've gotten so much better at managing it!

How I Can Help:

• Sticking up for yourself and navigating accommodations/SDS

• Managing your time and energy while still getting stuff done

• Encouragement and emotional support! I'm always here to listen!

Availability:

I'm super flexible with virtual meetings any day of the week, especially in the evening! In person might be a bit tougher, so that would most likely be on the weekends!

About Me:

If you're looking for a senior who's going to support you through your lows and push you through your highs, you've found her! We might also vibe if you're artsy, punky, or nerdy, but even if you're not, don't let that stop you from reaching out! I love to hear different people's perspectives and especially hear ab things people are really passionate about.

Why I Joined the Mentorship Program: 

I personally had a VERY rough go at it throughout my time in college, and I think the thing that made things harder was the feelings of loneliness I felt during that time. If I can help someone feel even a little less lonely through their college experience, then I'll have fulfilled my role as a mentor.

How I Can Help:

• Encouragement and emotional support

• Challenging your views in a respectful way that can help you to see new perspectives

Availability:

Weekdays before 9:30am and after 5pm, All day on weekends!

About Me:

Hi!! I’m currently taking an extra semester (declared my major late), a super senior if you will, pursuing my degree in biology. I love candles, crafts, music, and animals, but also love helping those in situations I’ve previously found myself in.

Why I Joined the Mentorship Program: 

I didn’t have any friends with chronic illnesses or knew many people at Iowa that had them when I arrived my freshman year. I would love to be able to help hopefully at least one person feel more supported than I had when coming to college, as it’s a tough enough experience as is.

My Experience with Chronic Illness:

I have dealt with PANDAS disease since eighth grade, I was doing well following treatment (IVIG), but my mom got diagnosed with lung cancer (that spread pretty much everywhere) in March and passed in May of 2021. Her and I were incredibly close as she helped me get treatment for PANDAS and dealt with the scary moments as they came, so I regressed quite a bit afterwards. It’s uncovered a lot of other things too, and while I’ve made progress, I still have work to do! I’m hoping that going through what I have, I can share advice, tips for physical symptoms, and just be supportive of whatever you go through.

How I Can Help:

• SDS/general university resources

• Stress management and adjusting to school

• Encouragement!

Availability:

Typically available weekends if not traveling home, MWF after 4p, Tuesdays after 6p, Thursdays after 3p

About Me:

Hi there! I am Alexis Cheville. I'm a Recreational Therapy major, and I love doing activities with individuals. I have worked with many people with various health conditions. I understand how challenging it can be having a chronic illness while in college and adjusting to a new environment. I would be happy to do activities with you while we chat about whatever you would like to share. However, if you prefer to sit and chat, I'm here too! I enjoy getting coffee/boba, hanging out with people I love, Animal Crossing, and anything related to music! I am looking forward to meeting you!! 

Why I Joined the Mentorship Program: 

I know how it feels to have a chronic illness in a new environment and how stress can increase symptoms, leaving you lonely and confused why this is happening (again). I wanted to help the individuals who are going through this now. Chronic illness is a rollercoaster ride, and I understand the pain and triumphs you had to face to get here. I know I have not experienced your story, but I am here to listen because that's something that would've helped me my freshman/sophomore year when I needed this most.  

My Experience with Chronic Illness:

I learned to advocate for my needs at an early age. Being from a small town, a lot of my health symptoms were dismissed and misdiagnosed as "anxiety," told that "eating more," "salt," and "drinking more water," would fix it all. But I knew there was more than just that. 

In 2017, I was diagnosed with Scoliosis. I had to wear a back brace for 14 hours a day for 3 ½ years. During this time, I got sick in 2018. I had dizzy spells to the point I would almost pass out, unexplained weight loss, severe anxiety, brain fog, and so much more. I talked to my doctor at the time, and she denied everything, refusing to do a simple blood test. Years later, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and POTS. Most recently, I have been dealing with PTSD and chronic severe nosebleeds.  

How I Can Help:

• Encouragement + advocating 

• Help you feel less alone in this journey 

• SDS/General university resources 

Availability:

Mondays 9:30am - 3:30pm, Wednesdays 4:30-whenever, Fridays 12:30-4 

About Me:

I am a freshman on the pre-med track. I like gymnastics and being outdoors. I am on the gymnastics team here at Iowa, and I love playing piano.

Why I Joined the Mentorship Program: 

Adjusting to life when I had insomnia was very hard. There were lots of unknowns, and I want to help people not have that same struggle.

My Experience with Chronic Illness:

I have had chronic insomnia and anxiety since April of 2025. I have had important events like exams, sports meets, and social gatherings that I had to attend and perform at while dealing with these illnesses.

How I Can Help:

• I can help you build connections, balance academics and self-care, and manage stress levels

Availability:

Monday through Friday 2:45-5:15pm Saturday-Sunday 11:00am-8:00pm