Our Mission — Under the Iceberg


Countless people live with invisible illnesses — chronic conditions whose symptoms aren’t immediately visible to others. For many, misunderstanding and isolation can feel inevitable. Under the Iceberg  aims to change that by offering a space where teens with invisible illnesses can connect, share their experiences, and feel seen.

Maya is a sophomore at U of C Lab Schools who enjoys Science Olympiad and Bel Canto, as well as writing for her school newspaper, the U-High Midway. She was diagnosed with scoliosis at 13 and wore a scoliosis brace for over a year, resulting in severe insomnia and difficulty focusing. She founded Under the Iceberg in hope of making other teens like her feel less alone.

LEADERSHIP BOARD

Maya Gauhar, founder of Under the Iceberg, teen with invisible illnesses

Tal is a sophomore at U of C Lab Schools who enjoys competing with Science Olympiad and with U-High Tennis, and playing flute. Though now in remission, she grew up with severe food allergies and OCD stemming from allergies. She joined Under the Iceberg because she wants to spread awareness about lesser known illnesses and disorders.

Maya Gauhar

picture of Tal Neiman, member of Under the Iceberg, teens with invisible illnesses

Isabel is a sophomore at La Jolla Country Day School in California. She enjoys swimming, novel writing and playing video games. She’s struggled with migraines for around four years now but has managed to regulate them with the help of her parents and the right doctors. She hopes that anyone with the same illness will be able to relate and find comfort in her story!

Isabel Finch, team member of Under the Iceberg, a teen support group for teens with invisible illnesses.

Emunah is a junior at Highland Park High School. She struggles with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and chronic migraines, both of which cause extreme head pain and have been debilitating for her, causing her to miss a year of school. Emunah is super excited to be part of Under The Iceberg and hopes it can help many teens with invisible illnesses!

Under the Iceberg is led by a group of teenagers who believe that everyone’s voice deserves to be heard — regardless of whether their struggles are visible. The Leadership Board is responsible for organizing our meetings and content, separate from members solely participating in meetings.


Image of Emunah Block, team member of Under the Iceberg, invisible illnesses

Imani is a sophomore at U of C Lab schools who enjoys reading, playing tennis, studying ancient cultures, marine biology and learning about history. She joined Under the Iceberg because it gives her an opportunity to support and help other teens who might be struggling in ways that most people can’t see.

President

Tal Neiman

Social Media Team

Isabel Finch

Team Member

Emunah Block

Imani Qureshi

Co-President

Social Media Team