About the HS Buddy Program

HS is a unique disease in that there is a historic lack of effective treatments and a documented high rate of misdiagnosis. These factors can often lead to a mistrust of healthcare professionals and frustration around available treatment options. The HS Buddy Program is a peer support system that connects individuals who are currently participating in a clinical trial or are interested in participating in a clinical trial with a “buddy” who can help navigate decisions and challenges specific to trial involvement. This access to a peer mentor brings together people with shared experiences to learn from and support each other, providing a space where HS patients feel understood and accepted.

While clinical trials can be lengthy and present their own challenges, the HS Buddy Program offers participants the ability to benefit from speaking to those who have previously been through the full clinical trial process. HS Buddies are trained to provide interpersonal support that fosters greater trust and community spirit through education and communication.

Trial buddies are matched based on criteria identified by you in the form below. While we can’t guarantee we can match all preferences, every effort will be made to pair you with a buddy that aligns with your most important qualities. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to review the proposed match and decide if they’re the right fit. Trial buddies cannot provide medical advice, but can share experiences, provide an open space for listening, and guide you towards additional resources. Once you match with a buddy, you will remain with that buddy for the duration of the program, allowing you to form a connection and build trust. Regardless of where you are in your clinical trial journey – if you’re only considering joining a trial or you’re already participating – you can be matched with a buddy.

You may connect with your buddy via phone contact, email, or text and there is no limit on how many times you can contact your buddy. All conversations will be recorded, and the data will be used for publication to assess the success of the program and for training of future buddy participants. All data will be anonymized, and no identifiable information will be published.

Program Mission

Provide a space where HS patients feel better supported and informed by providing peer support to those interested in participating in clinical trials, thus providing shared experiences to learn from and support each other.

Find a Buddy

If you’re interested in matching with a buddy to provide you with support on your clinical trial journey, please click here to complete our application.