Minot High School graduate Alonna Kolobakken has been appointed to the Autoimmune Association’s newly established Young Adult Advisory Council. Along with 15 other individuals, Kolobakken will advise the association on the organization’s strategy to empower and advocate for young individuals aged 15 to 25 living with autoimmune disease.

Kolobakken, 18, is a freshman at Florida International University, studying nursing. She was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland.

Kolobakken serves as the vice president of Recruitment for FIU’s Student Alliance for Autoimmune Awareness. During her time in Minot High School, she served as the president of Health Occupations Students of America.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body’s own cells.

More than 100 types exist, including well-known conditions such as psoriasis, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, along with rarer ones such as Behcet’s disease and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Affecting 50 million Americans, these diseases outnumber cases of cancer or heart disease and are increasing in prevalence.

“We understand that young individuals with autoimmune diseases encounter distinct challenges, especially while managing school, balancing their social lives and beginning their careers. With the valuable insights and perspectives offered by the council members, we can customize our programs and services to align with their needs,” said Molly Murray, president and CEO of the Autoimmune Association. “Additionally, the council will develop strategies to raise awareness and educate their peers about autoimmune disease, fostering a more informed and supportive environment.”

“I’m honored to be part of a movement that is advocating for young adults like me living with an autoimmune disease,” Kolobakken said. “The Young Adult Advisory Council members are intelligent, radiant and passionate and are the perfect representation of our generation. I’m excited to contribute my insights and work alongside this amazing team to create meaningful, lasting impact. I am extremely grateful for those who helped me along my autoimmune journey. I want to give a special thanks to my healthcare provider, Sandra Storey at Minot Health Clinic for her diligence in detecting my condition and ability to listen to my concerns. Autoimmune conditions on average take four doctors and four years to be diagnosed. Thanks to Storey and the staff at Minot Health Clinic I was able to get the attentive and patient-centered care that I needed.”