2025 Hidradenitis Suppurativa Summit
Hybrid In-Person & Virtual
College for Creative Studies Taubman Center
460 W Baltimore St.,
Detroit, MI 48202
June
6-8,
2025
be seen for who you are. not for what you have.
join us in
a patient-centered summit
About I Reclaim: Our Purpose
Launched in 2020 during HS Awareness Week, the I Reclaim HS Summit is a patient-centered event created to educate, advocate, and heal patients through a series of sessions led by top HS specialists. What started as a virtual event, has now evolved into a three-day in-person/virtual hybrid summit, providing a safe and supportive space for individuals with HS and other inflammatory diseases to learn, heal, and grow—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
This summit empowers participants to understand their condition better, the reasons behind it, and potential short- and long-term solutions. It fosters connection with HS specialists and other HS Warriors, making expert care more accessible and combats isolation and shame often felt by those living with HS. Through deep knowledge and lived experience of both scientific and patient perspectives, we aim to show the HS community that they deserve to feel supported, understood, and valued as patients and as people.
I Reclaim 2025 Theme: Blossoming into Freedom
For I Reclaim 2025, we’re all about blossoming! We’re inspired by nature’s reclamation of urban spaces, scars, and stretch marks reimagined as foliage, and blooming flowers - inspiring HS Warriors to blossom into their freest selves.
In addition, this year’s tagline, "Be Seen for Who You Are, Not for What You Have," reflects our commitment to viewing people with HS holistically and recognizing their full identity, not just their condition. Living with a chronic illness is about more than managing symptoms—it's about navigating life with HS. For 2025, we aim to address the entire patient experience, from managing HS at work and styling your body with wounds and bandages to healing the mind and body after medical trauma.
Summit Makeovers!
As in previous years, we are also gifting two patients the experience of a lifetime. We'll support their self-care and beauty routines with VIP access to the summit, including free tickets, two nights’ hotel accommodation, a flight, and a head-to-toe makeover, complete with a three-piece wardrobe to help them reclaim their confidence.
2024 makeover recipients Gloriel V. & Alexis B. charm the audience with their new looks, which included hair, makeup, & a confidence-boosting wardrobe!
sessions & schedule
Experience three amazing days of sessions, demonstrations, workshops, and community engagement opportunities that aid attendees in their journeys with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) and associated comorbidities. Each year we center on a different theme with flagship sessions & events that are core to our annual summit. While these core sessions may be familiar to past attendees, they are packed with new experiences. Read ahead for details!
AHSID founder Jasmine IVANNA Espy & I Reclaim Host, HS Warrior, & Netflix star Frank Grimsley share a moment during the 2024 opening ceremony.
June 6, 2025:
Opening Ceremony: A Taste of Detroit
The opening ceremony is a celebration to honor ourselves and the community and set the tone for the summit. It immerses in-person attendees in Detroit's cultural identity with live music from a local band, a taste of Detroit's best cuisine, art from local artists, and opportunities to connect and engage in summit-themed activities.
knight gallery | DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 PM EST | EVENT CONCLUDES AT 9:30 PM EST
June 7, 2025: Summit Day One
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Morning Yoga
Guided yoga in the calm room is designed for attendees to reconnect with their bodies and release tension.
CALM ROOM | 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM EST | LED BY IMANI SMITH
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Breakfast & Registration
Enjoy breakfast from Detroit's James Oliver coffee shop while visiting vendors and exploring the space.
KNIGHT GALLERY | 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM EST
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Advances in HS Research & Therapies
This flagship session provides an in-depth look at the latest research and therapeutic advancements.
MAIN STAGE | 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM EST | LED BY DR. STEVEN DAVELUY
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Let’s Talk about Surgery for HS
This session is all about choosing the right surgeon, questions to ask, and post op wound care.
MAIN STAGE | 10:25 AM - 11:10 AM EST | LED BY DR. VICTORIA FARLEY
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Busting Myths About HS
This informative session dispels common misconceptions and myths surrounding HS.
MAIN STAGE | 11:20 AM - 12:05 PM EST | LED BY AYE TABA
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Lunch Break
Continuing the Taste of Detroit theme, enjoy some plant-based vegan comfort food from The Kitchen by Cooking with Que.
KNIGHT GALLERY | 12:05 PM - 1:05 PM EST
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HS Wound Care Strategies & Management
Comprehensive strategies and tips for managing wound care effectively with HS.
MAIN STAGE | 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM EST | LED BY JULIAN GORDON
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Navigating Intimacy with HS - 18 & Up
Explores the challenges and solutions for intimacy when living with HS.
MAIN STAGE | 2:10 PM - 2:55 PM EST | LED BY DR. JANELLE FREDRICK
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Starting With You In The Mirror: Mirror Work 2.0 - 18 & Up
Dedicated to guiding attendees towards radical self-acceptance and self-love.
BREAKOUT ROOM A | 2:10 PM - 2:55 PM EST | LED BY NAJEE NIXON
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Break & Refuel
Take a moment to digest the sessions, explore the Calm Room, and visit vendors.
KNIGHT GALLERY & CALM ROOM | 2:55 PM - 3:25 PM EST
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Styling You: Your Guide to Mastering Your Fit
Discusses fabric choices, styling tips for confidence, and dressing around HS flares.
BREAKOUT ROOM A | 3:35 PM - 4:20 PM EST | LED BY AARONICA COLE & AARIKA WALTON
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A Bite of Something Good: Cooking Demo and Nutrition Guide for Wound Healing and Wellness
A guide to understanding your body’s needs and choosing supportive, anti-inflammatory foods.
MAIN STAGE | 3:35 PM - 4:20 PM EST | LED BY CRISTINA CURP
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Fireside Chat w. Dateability
Dateability creators Alexa and Jacqueline Child provide a live demo of their dating app, built for people living with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
BREAKOUT ROOM A | 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM EST
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Closing Remarks
Host Frank Grimsley will wrap up day one of the summit and set the tone for day two.
MAIN STAGE | 5:10 PM - 5:30 PM
June 8, 2025: Summit Day Two
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Back to the Body Morning Meditation
Meditation session in the Calm Room designed to center and relax attendees.
CALM ROOM | 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM EST | LED BY SABRINA RACQUEL
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Breakfast & Registration
Enjoy breakfast from Detroit's James Oliver coffee shop while visiting vendors and exploring the space.
KNIGHT GALLERY | 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM EST
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Summit Opener
Host Frank Grimsley welcomes attendees to the 2025 I RECLAIM HS Summit.
MAIN STAGE | 9:15 AM - 9:20 AM EST
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Prior Authorizations: A Patient’s Guide to Navigating Insurance
This session will explain prior authorizations, navigating the healthcare system, and advocating for effective care.
MAIN STAGE | 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM EST | LED BY JANELLE BALL
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Beyond HS: Linking HS to Other Inflammatory Diseases
This session discusses common HS comorbidities, their treatment, and management strategies.
MAIN STAGE | 10:25 AM-11:10 AM EST | LED BY DR. ASHLEY BISOCE
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So, You've Been Diagnosed with HS
Insights into how HS is diagnosed and the challenges the HS community faces.
MAIN STAGE | 11:20 AM - 12:05 PM EST | LED BY DR. HADAR AVIHAI LEV-TOV
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Lunch Break
Continuing the Taste of Detroit theme, enjoy some food from Detroit-based and Haitian-founded Ayiti Spaegehtti.
KNIGHT GALLERY | 12:05 PM - 1:05 PM EST
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The Trauma We Endure For Our Health
In this session, a leading social worker will discuss the impact of medical trauma and pathways to healing.
MAIN STAGE | 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM EST | LED BY ERIN MARTINEZ
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Somatic Healing for HS
Expert somatic healers demonstrating holistic techniques for managing HS.
BREAKOUT ROOM A | 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM EST | LED BY CHELSEA BLAKE
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Break & Refuel
Take a moment to digest the sessions, explore the Calm Room, and visit vendors.
KNIGHT GALLERY & CALM ROOM | 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST
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Navigating Online Harassment
Strategies for dealing with online harassment, particularly for individuals living with HS and actively using social media.
BREAKOUT ROOM A | 2:40 PM - 3:25 PM EST | LED BY DR. KAY COGHILL
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How to Tell Your HS Story Panel
A panel discussing the power of social media and how to share your HS story effectively.
MAIN STAGE | 2:40 PM - 3:25 PM EST | MODERATED BY JASMINE IVANNA ESPY | PANELISTS INCLUDE CASSANDRA STRAND, IMANI FUTRELL, & JEREMY HINSKTON
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HS Patient Makeover & Closing Ceremony
Witness the HS Patient Makeover reveal and close out the final day of the summit.
MAIN STAGE | 3:35 PM - 4:35 PM | LED BY GLORIEL VEILLARD
what attendees are saying
AHSID Volunteers register I Reclaim 2024 speakers at the HS summit in Detroit, MI.
ticket tiers
AHSID is committed to health equity, the fight for which includes ensuring that HS patients and their caregivers are able to more accessibly attend I Reclaim 2025.
For doctors, medical students, supporters, sponsors, & other community members, we’ve outlined pay-it-forward tiers that ensure that all HS Warriors are able to attend.
All of theses ticket tiers come with an option to donate as well. Thank you for your generosity & we cannot wait to reclaim our health with you!
In-person
General Admission Tickets
In-person tickets include access to event sessions, the opening ceremony, networking events, sponsor and vendor room, calm room, AHSID 2024 HS Basics Booklet, prize giveaways, and AHSID local entertainment and tour guide.
$65 | patients & caregivers
$100 | medical students
$200 | physicians & medical staff
$255 | sponsor representative
$355 | non-sponsor representative
$45 | one-day pass
VIP Tickets
VIP in-person tickets include all general admission perks and a VIP gift bag with local goodies and HS wound care items.
$165 | patients & caregivers
virtual
General Admission Tickets
Virtual tickets are ideal for those who are not able to attend in person, but would still like to be involved. They include access to event sessions, sponsor and vendor rooms, the AHSID 2024 HS Basics Booklet, and prize giveaways.
$35 | patients & caregivers
$50 | medical students
$100 | physicians & medical staff
$125 | sponsor representative
$150 | non-sponsor representative
$30 | one-day pass
Volunteer with us!
As a volunteer, you'll help create a transformative experience for attendees, from assisting with event logistics to supporting health and wellness sessions. This is your chance to connect, empower, and uplift those living with HS while being part of a one-of-a-kind movement. Your in-person contributions will shape a space where participants feel seen and celebrated. Sign up today to help make this unforgettable event a success!
Two I Reclaim 2024 volunteers pose in branded purple t-shirts, lanyards & badges that share what they reclaimed at the summit!
sponsor i reclaim!
Show your commitment to advancing HS advocacy and care by sponsoring the 2025 I Reclaim HS Summit. Align your brand with an impactful, patient-centered event that celebrates empowerment, education, and community. As a sponsor, you’ll engage with passionate attendees, HS influencers, somatic practitioners, and healthcare professionals while gaining unique opportunities for exposure. Help us provide vital resources, wellness activities, and innovative experiences for those living with HS. Join us in transforming lives and breaking barriers—become a sponsor today and leave a lasting legacy of support and change!
I Reclaim 2024 in-kind sponsor Designs by muriel shared jewelry and gratitude journals with attendees!