Transforming personal health battles into workplace wellness strategies for 27 million Americans living with invisible illness.
At 2 a.m. on a Tuesday in 2019, Desiree Werland sat at her kitchen table in San Antonio, staring at a stack of medical bills and test results that told only half her story. Despite years of symptoms, the crushing fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog that made simple tasks feel monumental, she still didn’t have clear answers. What she did have was a choice: let the mystery illness control her life, or take control of her health journey.
That late-night moment of determination would eventually transform not just her own life, but spark a movement addressing one of the most overlooked crises in American workplaces today.
The Making of an Advocate
Desiree’s symptoms began at 14, but her path to answers stretched across decades. The Texas State University graduate had built a demanding career while battling an invisible enemy that doctors struggled to identify. It wasn’t until she received diagnoses for five autoimmune conditions, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Endometriosis, Fibromyalgia, and Sjogren’s, that the pieces finally clicked into place.
“The diagnostic journey itself became part of my education,” Desiree reflects. “I realized that if I was struggling this much with resources and education, how many others were suffering in silence?”
Rather than retreat, she leaned in. She became a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach and certified Autoimmune Paleo Coach, transforming her personal battle into professional expertise. Today, she runs 5Ks, lifts weights, and lives vibrantly, proof that autoimmune diseases don’t have to define limitations.
The Hidden Workforce Crisis
What sets Desiree apart in the wellness coaching space is her recognition of a staggering workplace blind spot. While most corporate wellness programs focus on fitness challenges and meditation apps, few address the reality that 27 million Americans live with autoimmune disease, with over 80% being women in their prime career years.
“Autoimmune disease is often called the ‘invisible illness,’ but its impact is anything but invisible on individuals, families, and workplaces,” she explains. The numbers tell a compelling story: autoimmune diseases are among the top 10 causes of death for women under 65, with prevalence rising 4.5% annually.
The corporate costs are equally staggering. U.S. employers lose $225.8 billion annually in productivity from absenteeism, with chronic illnesses like autoimmune disease as major contributors. Presenteeism, employees showing up but operating at reduced capacity, costs employers 2-3 times more than absenteeism, especially with invisible illnesses.
A Dual-Lens Solution
Through her company, Stronger Than Autoimmune, Desiree offers what few others can: a dual perspective that bridges individual coaching with corporate consulting. She helps individuals manage their symptoms while simultaneously working with organizations to recognize hidden costs and implement inclusive strategies.
“Most wellness programs stop at surface-level fixes. I bring lived experience, data, and strategy to address the hidden crisis of autoimmune disease,” she says. This approach resonates with both audiences, employees seeking understanding and employers seeking solutions.
Her Stronger Than Autoimmune Podcast amplifies this mission, featuring expert interviews and patient stories that foster hope and connection. Through local support groups and personalized coaching programs, she helps women navigate fatigue, flares, and pain using holistic strategies including stress management, gentle movement, and mindful nutrition.
Beyond Individual Wellness
What distinguishes Desiree’s approach is her corporate autoimmune health consulting practice. She equips organizations with strategies to foster inclusion, strengthen wellness initiatives, and create environments where employees can thrive without sacrificing their health.
“When people with autoimmune disease are supported, workplaces thrive, families grow stronger, and individuals rediscover their resilience,” she emphasizes. Her data-driven approach shows companies that employees with chronic conditions account for up to 85% of employer healthcare costs, while short-term disability for some autoimmune diseases averages 73 lost workdays, costing approximately $27,000 per patient annually.
This dual lens, coaching individuals while consulting with organizations, fills a critical gap in workplace wellness. She speaks the language of both patients and professionals, translating personal health challenges into business solutions.
The Mindset Foundation
Central to Desiree’s philosophy is the belief that mindset forms the foundation of resilience. “Health is true wealth, and mindset is the foundation of resilience,” she explains. Her own transformation from someone battling mysterious symptoms to someone thriving with multiple diagnoses exemplifies this principle.
Her work empowers women to advocate for themselves, embrace their strength, and live beyond their diagnosis. This message resonates particularly strongly because autoimmune diseases often strike during prime working years, precisely when careers, leadership, and life are accelerating.
Measuring Impact
The effectiveness of Desiree’s approach shows in both individual transformations and organizational improvements. Clients report better symptom management, increased energy, and improved quality of life. Corporate partners see reduced absenteeism, improved employee engagement, and stronger retention rates among team members with chronic conditions.
“I turned my own autoimmune challenges into a platform for change, helping individuals live stronger and helping companies build healthier, more resilient teams,” she notes.
The Path Forward
As autoimmune disease prevalence continues climbing and workplace mental health gains attention, Desiree’s dual-focus model positions her at the forefront of a growing movement. Her combination of personal experience, professional credentials, and business acumen creates a unique value proposition in the wellness space.
The late-night kitchen table decision that started her journey has evolved into a comprehensive solution addressing both individual suffering and systemic workplace challenges. By speaking to both the human cost and business impact of autoimmune disease, Desiree transforms personal struggle into professional strength.
If your organization is ready to address the hidden costs of invisible illness while supporting employees who need understanding rather than quick fixes, Desiree Werland’s expertise in autoimmune workplace wellness could be the strategic advantage your team needs to thrive sustainably.
About Stronger Than Autoimmune
Desiree Werland is a San Antonio-based National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Autoimmune Paleo Coach, and corporate consultant specializing in autoimmune workplace wellness. Through her Stronger Than Autoimmune program and podcast, she serves both individuals managing chronic conditions and organizations seeking to create more inclusive, productive environments.
Visit Desiree Werland’s website today to learn more about her Stronger Than Autoimmune program, listen to her podcast, and explore how her expertise can transform your health and workplace.
