In each episode of this podcast we interview everyday people who have built extraordinary communities about just how they did it. How did they get the first people to show up? How did they grow to hundreds more members?

Today we’re talking to Nitika Chopra, organizer of Chronicon, a conference that brings together hundreds of people with chronic illnesses.

Nitika has been living with severe psoriasis since age 10 and was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at age 19, which made it difficult for her to walk.

That personal experience led her later in life to speak openly about what she's been through. Nitika hosted events for people with chronic illnesses, forged a Facebook group, and last year brought people together in person for Chronicon, a one-day gathering in New York City.

Chances are you have a friend, family member or colleague who is struggling with a chronic illness, and you might even be dealing with one yourself. Studies show that 45% of the United States population has at least one chronic illness today, and the rates are expected to rise to 49% by 2030. At Chronicon, Nitika and her team designed an event especially for those who fit in this category,  celebrating "all they have been through and how they have learned to thrive in their lives."

In this interview, we'll learn more about Nitika's journey and how she went about designing the specifics of Chronicon–from the space to food—to make sure folks with chronic illnesses felt honored.

For more from Nitika and Chronicon, head to: 

www.chronicon.co

nitikachopra.com

instagram.com/nitikachopra/ 

Grab your copy of GET TOGETHER—our handbook on community-building 🔥: bit.ly/gettogetherbook

To learn more about People & Company and how we work with organizations passionate about their communities, visit: http://people-and.com/