Raising Hope: Pancakes for the Autoimmune Disease

Priya Patil was in college when she began experiencing severe physical health issues, primarily affecting her gastrointestinal system. The symptoms left her exhausted and miserable. Hoping for an easy solution, she visited a doctor, but what followed was a diagnostic journey involving numerous specialists, tests, and unanswered questions. Eventually, she learned she had ulcerative colitis and she would need lifelong medication to manage her condition.

Determined to take control of her health, Priya sought second and third opinions. As she processed the diagnosis, she began exploring alternatives to the traditional, medication-first approach. She kept food and symptom journals, tracking triggers and flare-ups. Priya noticed that her diet impacted her health more significantly than the medication, leading her to extensive research and collaboration with both eastern and western medical practitioners. Gradually, she adjusted her diet and adopted lifestyle changes, closely monitoring their effects on her symptoms, creating additional health benefits without the medication side effects

By 2015, Priya made a decisive commitment to her well-being. Since then, she has maintained remission of her ulcerative colitis through diet and lifestyle changes. This journey revealed to her the interconnectedness of food, stress management, sleep, and overall health—factors no doctor had initially mentioned as potential ways to manage her disease.

Having recently completed her MBA from Columbia Business School, she is currently exploring opportunities in healthtech and welltech to apply her skills to improving patient lives and help anyone on a similar journey. Inspired to help others further, Priya joined the board of the Autoimmune Association. Her goal was to share her experiences and build a supportive community for people with autoimmune diseases, exploring a blend of traditional treatments and holistic approaches to health – the intersection of healthcare and wellcare.

During her health transformation, Priya met Casey, who would later become her husband. Initially hesitant to share her condition and dietary restrictions, she eventually opened up to him. Casey became her strongest advocate, embracing her needs and supporting her lifestyle changes. Their bond deepened over their shared love of home-cooked meals, with Casey assuming the role of head chef and Priya as his sous chef.

A few years ago, Casey decided to host a birthday fundraiser to give back to causes he cared about. Witnessing Priya’s challenges at social events with limited food options, he organized an inclusive pancake breakfast, offering gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options. This year, in honor of Priya’s work with the Autoimmune Association, they hosted the event on their rooftop, raising almost $2,000 from over 40 attendees. They also shared educational materials from the Autoimmune Association, sparking conversations and increasing awareness.

Reflecting on the experience, Priya emphasized the power of personal storytelling in creating connections and inspiring action. She noted that vulnerability fosters understanding, helping others see themselves in the shared experience. Her advice for aspiring fundraisers is simple: choose something you love, like Casey’s passion for gathering people and cooking (and pancakes!), and let the story behind the event drive engagement. She also stressed the importance of follow-up—sharing results, photos, and gratitude to strengthen relationships and encourage future participation. 

Priya’s message to others living with autoimmune diseases is clear: “You don’t have to go through it alone. There’s community, there are resources. Explore the intersection of traditional healthcare and holistic approaches. Do your own research, ask questions, and find what works best for you.”

To learn how you can organize your own fundraiser and raise hope for the autoimmune community, please visit our Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Fundraising page.