Patient Leadership Council

Rachel Hill (aka The Invisible Hypothyroidism)

2022 Social Health Awards Social Media Master
Rachel is an award-winning author of several books as well as a speaker, writer, and thyroid patient advocate. She has worked with the National Academy of Hypothyroidism as well as many podcasts and well-known websites. She covers all aspects of thyroid disease, including mental health, fertility, relationships, and more.

Erica Carrasco (aka Achy Smile)

2022 Social Health Awards Creative Contributor
Erica is a fierce migraine advocate for her family and others. She has hemiplegic migraine, and her 2 kids have ocular and vestibular migraine. She has been a part of Headache on the Hill, has advocated for physician training, and is a partner of the American Migraine Foundation and the Association of Migraine Disorders.

Racquel H. Dozier

2022 - 2023 Patient Leadershop Council Member
Racquel has been very active in educating others about Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, commonly known as Lupus. She is the Founder and President of Lupus In Color a support group that provides assistance and encouragement to lupus warriors. She is also the author of Butterflies of HOPE, a book of encouragement to lupus warriors. It is important to Racquel to to help others with lupus and other autoimmune diseases to make sure they are educated, inspired, encouraged and empowered. These things assists warriors in beating their chronic illness day to day.

Elle Cole

2022 Social Health Awards Caregiving Champion
Elle is a mom of twin girls, one of whom lives with sickle cell disease and type 1 diabetes. She is an advocate for both diseases as well as a skilled writer, speaker, and educator. She produces the podcast VitaminSC3 with the Sickle Cell Community Consortium to share patient stories and bring hope.

Ella Balasa

2022 Social Health Awards Healthcare Collaborator Winner
Ella has been living with cystic fibrosis since she was a toddler, leading to countless hospitalizations. Despite having 25 percent lung function, she has not slowed down. She is an avid patient advocate, writer, and scientist. She has served on research committees and planned conferences for the CF community.