Building a lifeline for our community, together
Hello friends, supporters, community members, & philanthropists,
The Chronic Illness Hotline, by Project Build, is more than a lifeline. We’re not just a listening service. We’re a new category of support that offers safety, connection, and validation to those historically dismissed or unseen. One that meets people where they are and stays with them for the long haul. Our vision is simple, but urgent: to support anyone who’s struggling because of their health – emotionally, practically, and personally. It’s a vital piece of the support system for people living with chronic illness, injury, pain, disability, and neurodivergence.
We’re building a peer-to-peer support space, created by people with lived experience for people living the experience. That means when you reach out, you’re connecting with someone who truly gets it – someone who understands the isolation, the medical gaslighting, the fear, the daily grind, and the rare moments of joy.
We’re here to offer:
- Resources tailored to our community
- A listening ear for whatever you’re going through
- A space to celebrate your unique triumphs, big and small
- Support to all individuals, regardless of official diagnosis, and embracing self-diagnosis as valid
- Confidentiality, there’s no need to disclose any of your medical information or even your name – fostering a sense of dignity and respect
- Flexible employment opportunities for individuals with chronic health conditions (once funded- we are currently an all volunteer team)
Learn more at chronicillnesshotline.org/about
Why I Started This Hotline
I’m not just the founder, I’m a member of our community. I’ve lived through the extreme loneliness and isolation of having health conditions. I’ve gone years without answers, had to fight for a diagnosis, been dismissed and demeaned by medical professionals. I’ve lost my career, my home, my friendships, and more.
Part of the reason progress has been gradual is due to the setbacks I’ve experienced due to my health, as many in our community understand, particularly the loss of my professional network. That said, I bring both lived experience and an academic background in public health to the table. Building this hotline isn’t just a project; it’s something I’m uniquely positioned to do, and deeply committed to seeing through.
I started the Chronic Illness Hotline because no one should have to go through this alone. We deserve better. We deserve each other.
Why This Blog Exists
This blog is our place to fundraise for Project Build. Donate now to Project Build
We will be sharing updates, stories, resources, and ways to plug in. But this blog also exists because we need your help. Our services are urgently needed but without funding, we’re at risk of delaying or even losing our planned 2025 launch.
We are not asking for donations from anyone experiencing financial hardship. Truly, we know the economic realities happening now. Many of us are already under immense stress.
We Need Your Help — If You’re Able
We are reaching out only to those who can comfortably give. If you’re in a stable position and able to donate, you can become a founding supporter of our relaunch.
Did you know giving back can boost your mental health? Philanthropy increases purpose, reduces stress, lifts your mood, and builds meaningful connections. It fosters empathy, gratitude, and a stronger sense of self – all while making the world a better place. Supporting our mission is self-care with impact.
With funding, we’ll be able to:
- Expand our volunteer program
- Hire skilled professionals to lead and support our hotline
- Build a secure tech platform to protect your data and privacy
- Become a fully operational nonprofit and serve the millions of people who need us
If you’d like to learn more before giving, learn more at chronicillnesshotline.org or follow this blog for a deeper understanding.
We Understand the Financial Realities of Our Community
We want to speak directly to the many people reading this who are living with chronic illness, pain, disability, injury, or neurodivergence and experiencing financial hardship. We see you. We understand you. Many of us on the team are living through the same challenges.
There is money out there. Generous donors do exist, we just haven’t met the ones who align with our mission yet.
If you’re unable to give financially, please don’t feel pressured. There are other powerful ways to support our mission: spreading the word, connecting us with potential funders, and helping amplify our collective voice. These are vital acts of solidarity that help us grow. You are part of our movement, no matter your means.
We want this blog to be a conversation starter – a tool you can share with your networks, use to spark discussions, and most of all, a place where you can see yourself reflected. Each post will tackle a different topic we think is relevant to our community. Each post gives you a new way to share relatable content that speaks to a piece of our lives while also reminding those able to help why our hotline is needed. Your input will always be welcome here.
We’re building something big. We’re building something we all wish we’d had when we needed it most.
Thank you for being here. We’re so glad you found us.
In solidarity,
Cyndii Sinex, MPH
Founder, Chronic Illness Hotline
Director, Project Build
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Please share this post widely. Follow us on LinkedIn, Threads, Instagram, & Facebook. Every donation, follow, and share brings us one step closer to relaunching the Chronic Illness Hotline. This blog is part of our ongoing series in support of our fundraising efforts. While generous funding is flowing to other nonprofits, we are still searching for donors and partners who truly resonate with our mission. Donate to Project Build today at chronicillnesshotline.org with a one time donation or set up a recurring monthly donation (starting at $5/mo or $1 for our community members/those with financial hardships but big hearts)
Project Build is a wholly owned Project of AnchoRRa, a registered public charity, which provides nonprofit status. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. More info & to donate: chronicillnesshotline.org