Adrenal insufficiency affects thousands of people worldwide, yet it remains one of the most under-recognized and difficult-to-manage conditions. Patients must take life-sustaining steroid replacement, often multiple times a day, while guessing whether their dose is enough or too much. The risks are high: adrenal crisis can strike suddenly and be fatal.
CortiCheck is being developed to bring something patients have never had before — real-time cortisol monitoring. Here’s how people in our community say it could change their lives.
Sunny, 35, living with Secondary AI
Sunny was diagnosed young due to congenital panhypopituitarism. Today, she manages daily life by listening to symptoms that could mean a dozen different things.
"Real-time cortisol means no more second guessing vague symptoms. I would finally know when my body needs steroids to cope. That peace of mind would be absolutely amazing."
Meghan, mom to baby Ryan
When Ryan was just ten days old, his body temperature plummeted, landing him in the hospital. Two weeks later, he was diagnosed with congenital adrenal hypoplasia — one of only a handful of known cases worldwide.
"Ryan can’t tell us when he feels unwell. CortiCheck would take away so much of the daily stress and fear, giving us a way to see what’s happening inside his tiny body."
Tracie, diagnosed with Addison’s as a teen
At 17, Tracie was fighting crushing fatigue, trying to finish high school. Even now, with medication, she never knows if her cortisol is at the right level.
"A device like CortiCheck would finally let me know when to help myself and when to act before a crisis. That could change everything."
Kendall, five ER visits in two years
Kendall and her husband live with constant vigilance, never knowing when symptoms will turn into a full crisis.
"Right now our measure of success is simple: were we in the ER today? CortiCheck would take the guesswork out of dosing and give us clarity, safety, and peace of mind."
Kari Anne, navigating life after Cushing’s
After losing one adrenal gland to surgery, Kari Anne has tried reducing her medication — but without knowing her real cortisol levels, every adjustment feels like a dangerous gamble.
"Reducing medication without knowing my cortisol is like walking in the dark. CortiCheck would give me the confidence and safety to manage my health and avoid crises."
Diana, nurse-scientist and mom of five
Diana has lived with adrenal insufficiency since 2016. For a year and a half she barely left the house, too afraid of crisis. Today she relies on Stan, her medical alert dog, to sense changes — but even Stan can’t replace hard data.
"CortiCheck would make the invisible visible and give me back freedom and quality of life."
Elena, diagnosed after a stroke
Elena lived with Cushing’s for years before Addison’s was finally discovered — but only after she had already suffered a stroke.
"Real-time cortisol would have spared me years of fear and near crises. CortiCheck is not just data, it is safety and survival."
Gunn, grandmother and retired manager
Gunn was diagnosed with Addison’s in 2015, forcing her to leave her full-time career. She still worries every time she cares for her grandchildren.
"I am constantly aware of whether I have enough cortisol. A monitor would give me reassurance in daily life and help me manage illness and fatigue with more confidence."
May Rita, nurse and mom of two
May Rita knows what it’s like to be on both sides of care. She has Addison’s and a daughter with type 1 diabetes. She often compares her experience with cortisol to her daughter’s simple blood sugar checks.
"Treating Addison’s feels like guesswork. My daughter can check her blood sugar with a finger prick. Why don’t we have that for cortisol? CortiCheck could give me that freedom."
Rainer, former chef and wrestler
Rainer spent 25 years in kitchens and in the wrestling ring. After developing Addison’s from asthma medication, his life has been defined by hospitals and uncertainty.
"I want to train and live without fear. CortiCheck could give me back control."
Why These Stories Matter
These voices come from different countries, different ages, and different journeys — but they all echo the same truth: adrenal insufficiency is a constant balancing act, and current tools are not enough.
CortiCheck offers more than numbers. It offers safety, clarity, and the chance to live with less fear and more freedom.
Moving From Stories to Solutions
Every story shared here carries both heartbreak and hope. They remind us that adrenal insufficiency is not rare to the people living with it every single day. It is constant, invisible, and often terrifying. What patients are asking for is simple: safety, clarity, and the chance to live with more freedom.
CortiCheck was born out of that need. It is not just a device — it is a promise that patients will no longer be left guessing. With real-time data, families can make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary ER visits, and prevent crises before they start. This is not science fiction. It is within reach.
But we cannot do it alone. Developing and validating a device like this requires resources, partnerships, and funding. Every step forward — from prototype, to trial, to regulatory approval — is fueled by people who believe that patients deserve better.
That is where you come in. By supporting our GoFundMe, you are directly helping move CortiCheck from concept to creation, validation, and ultimately into the hands of the people who need it most. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to saving lives and transforming care for this community.
🌿 Join us in building the future of adrenal care. Support CortiCheck today:
👉 https://gofund.me/67f5b6093
