Here at the Chronic Illness Hotline, we aim to help our chronic illness, injury, pain and neurodivergent communities, with or without official diagnosis, get through things together and feel less isolated. We are founded and run by individuals with chronic health conditions themselves. While we have not yet launched, we plan to grow into a service that can meet the needs of anyone reaching out.
The unique experiences of a life with health conditions, the quest for diagnosis, and the emotional journey to acceptance is only understood by someone who has also experienced it. If it affects your life – it effects your health. We will be here to provide a non-judgmental and supportive safe space to process anything that matters to you.
Our relationship with the community is deeply rooted in lived experience. Founder Cyndii Sinex, MPH, a member of the chronic illness, injury, pain and neurodivergent communities, understands the system’s failings firsthand, having spent over a decade misdiagnosed. The Hotline is run, staffed, and shaped by community members who guide our training, programs, and collective advocacy. We are trusted because we listen, adapt, and prioritize the real challenges individuals face.
Our pilot program, which has been completed, demonstrated clear indicators of success and affirmed the need for the Chronic Illness Hotline. Texters engaged meaningfully with Compassion Counselors, with most concluding conversations by expressing gratitude—an indicator of feeling heard and supported. Many used the hotline again after their first conversation, highlighting the value they perceived.
Details
When you text “care” to 202-596-6520 you will receive an introductory message. Be prepared to answer the question “how can we best support you?” There is no right answer – we are just looking to know what it is you want to discuss so we can provide assistance.
Because we are an all-volunteer program, please see the calendar on our homepage to see what time each day our Compassion Counselors are returning text messages.
Chronic Illness Hotline will also serve as a community center—a centralized hub compiling comprehensive resource databases that bridge gaps in care.
Currently, no single platform organizes this level of interconnected support, which is vital for improving both mental and physical outcomes for those with health conditions.
If you need help before we launch
If you are experiencing a medical emergency – please call 911.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
dial or text to 988
Crisis Text Line:
text HOME to 741741
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-SAFE
National Sexual Assault Hotline by RAINN
(Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network:)
1-800-656-HOPE
Unfortunately, we will not be a support line that can provide you with the best doctor for your disorder in your area. It is common for people to struggle to find a doctor who makes them feel heard, cared about, and properly treated.
Through our planned resource center, you will be able to find information on foundations and support groups where individuals with your health issues can best advise based on their experiences.
Our Founder
Cyndii Sinex, MPH is a public health practitioner trained as a health educator who is passionate about resiliency. She never thought she’d have to use her skills on her own life but after a decade-plus dealing with misdiagnosis and medical error, patient advocacy has become vital to her. Now that she is combining her experience with her education, Cyndii hopes to build a legacy that amplifies the needs of marginalized individuals.
Founding the Chronic Illness Hotline, which will launch in late 2025, Cyndii wants to support the chronic illness, injury, pain, and neurodivergent communities with processing the unique challenges and celebrations that occur throughout a life with any health condition or disability. Before, during, after, or without a diagnosis & self diagnosis valid. Together, let’s find comfort in conversation.
Cyndii also enjoys too much reality tv, cooking & baking, and forgetting to water her plants while enjoying life with her partner & their cats Professor Meow Meow and Foxy Meow Meow.
If you would like to connect further, you can find Cyndii on Threads.
Our Project Build Partner
AnchoRRa: With each impact enterprise that thrives, and with more quality investments made, the industry grows and strengthens. More importantly, lives and communities are changed for the better at the local level throughout the world when financial and social gains grow on equal footing.
It is also essential that instead of focusing on problems and obstacles, we need to look for ways to overcome them and find new solutions. This requires creativity and innovation, as well as a willingness to take risks and try new things. By embracing these principles and working together to find new solutions to the challenges we face, we can make a real difference in the world and achieve our goals.