We Are ILL's Wellness Week(end)

We Are ILL is hosting its Wellness Week(end) at the JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead from Friday, October 30, through Sunday, November 1. It's a three-day retreat for Black women living with autoimmune disorders—specifically multiple sclerosis, lupus, and NMOSD—and the people who support them. The whole weekend is built around the idea of resting, reconnecting, and remembering that you're more than your diagnosis.

This is the signature annual event for We Are ILL, a 501(c)(3) patient advocacy organization. They describe it as the only weekend where Black women living with these conditions are invited to have a seat at the table. Now in its sixth year, the retreat has grown into a sacred space for those women to step away from the daily grind of managing chronic illness and spend a few days with people who truly get it.

The theme for this edition is Beyond Limits, which frames wellness as daring to go further, past fear and doubt. The visual concept draws on the infinity symbol and the textures of braided hair to represent resilience and the interwoven strength of the community. Across the three days, the program blends education, sisterhood, and self-care. There are sessions led by patient advocates, researchers, and We Are ILL founder and president Victoria Reese Brathwaite, with meaningful conversations and educational experiences that leave attendees with insight into balancing health and wellness, resources for positive habits, and connections to other Black women living with the same conditions.

General admission was $200 and VIP was $375, with no tickets sold at the door; sales ended Friday, October 16, so this is one to keep on your radar for next year if you missed the window. The retreat runs from Friday, October 30, to Sunday, November 1, at the JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead, 3300 Lenox Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326.