Our Story

Hawkeye Chronic Health Alliance believes that no student should have to navigate chronic illness alone. We created this organization to build a supportive, empowering community where students with chronic illnesses, and their allies, can connect, share experiences, and advocate for a more accessible campus.

While our personal experiences led us here, HCHA is not just about us; it’s about all of us. Our leadership team, including nine incredible government members, plays a vital role in planning events, raising awareness, and ensuring that every student who needs support can find it.

Together, we are working toward a campus where every student, regardless of their health challenges, feels seen, supported, and empowered.

Sarah’s Story: Strength in Community

Hi, I’m Sarah Winternitz, the President and one of the founders of HCHA. During my freshman year at the University of Iowa, I developed Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), along with chronic fatigue and chronic pain. The challenges of balancing my health and academics became overwhelming, and I ultimately had to step away from school for a semester.

I was lucky, I had a strong support system that helped me through it. But I quickly realized that not everyone has that same support. That’s why we started HCHA, to make sure that every student navigating chronic illness has a place where they feel understood and supported.

Shay’s Story: Supporting Others

Hi, I’m Shay Pechter, the Co-President and one of the founders of HCHA. While I don’t have a chronic illness myself, I’ve spent my life supporting those who do, my mother and my best friend, who I’ve known since kindergarten. Over the years, I’ve learned just how important a strong, understanding support system can be.

When I met Sarah, we realized that there wasn’t a space on campus for students with chronic illnesses to connect, share, and advocate for themselves. We knew we had to change that. Together, we created HCHA to be that space, a welcoming community for students with chronic illnesses and the allies who support them.

Xander’s Story: Awareness Into Action

Hey, I’m Xander Weber, the Awareness Researcher for HCHA. Like Shay, I don’t have a chronic illness myself, but one of my closest friends does. Seeing firsthand how it affects their life made me realize how much education, advocacy, and understanding are needed, not just for those living with chronic illness but also for the people around them.

I wanted to do more than just support one person, I wanted to help create a community where all students with chronic illnesses feel seen and valued. That’s why we focus on awareness, education, and advocacy, ensuring that chronic illness is recognized and understood across campus.

Why We Started HCHA

Individually, our experiences led us here—but together, we knew we could make a real impact.

HCHA exists to create community, awareness, and advocacy for students with chronic illnesses. Through our initiatives, we aim to:
✔ Foster Connection – A space where students can share experiences, find understanding, and support one another.
✔ Raise Awareness – Educating the campus community about chronic illnesses and the challenges students face.
✔ Advocate for Accessibility – Working toward a more inclusive university experience for all students.

We do this through weekly study hours, educational resources, awareness events, and opportunities for advocacy and volunteering. Whether you’re here to find support, learn more, or help create change, there’s a place for you in HCHA.

Join the Movement

What started as a personal passion has grown into a collective effort, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead. Whether you live with a chronic illness, know someone who does, or simply want to be part of a more inclusive campus, we welcome you to join us.

We’re so glad you’re here, and we can’t wait to continue this journey together.

Our Values:

• Inclusivity: Every student deserves to feel seen and supported.
• Advocacy: Raising awareness and pushing for accessibility.
• Empowerment: Providing resources and encouragement for students to thrive.
• Community: Building connections and offering mutual support.