“Over the past 15 years, we met many patients living with severe debilitating, yet invisible pain. These patients had seen multiple specialists and, in many cases, tried all available treatment options without lasting relief. Others where never referred to a neurologist, thus did not have access to first line therapy despite years of symptoms. The experience was frequently one of exhaustion, uncertainty, long periods without answers, finally depression and isolation.”

“Statistically, it takes a patient from his first doctor visit to a diagnosis with a neurologist 4-6 years and multiple specialists to rule out other diseases. 50% of the patients give up which explains why many did not even reach to see a neurologist. Although migraine is one of the most disabeling disease in the world, a variety of available treatments and a high density of specialists and the excess to internet, this is what patients say over and over again”: Patient: “Do you know others like me? ” Patient: “Thanks to my neighbour, I finally found a treatment that works.” Patient: “If the guy on the gas station would have not told me about this treatment, I would probably not be here anymore.” Patient: “My doctor says it’s in my head!” Patient:“ I have seen so many specialists, but they cannot find anything!”

“When you listen to the patients, you realize how essential is raising awareness around migraines, how important it is for patients to see and hear others who share the same experience to feel support and courage to become their own advocate of their situation. This is what led us to the idea of an audiovisual platform—where patients can share their stories in their own words, to support others in similar situations and help people better understand the reality of the disease and possible treatment pathways.”

“They were not lacking treatments, but peer support and easy access to resources to better understand their own disease that are complex by itself. Our goal is to simplify access of information from patients to patients. We want to make the invisible disease visible for others”

“I am working in health care since more than 20 years now. It have rarely experienced that patients feel left alone or could not find help for decades. That’s why I support the migraine foundation!”