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.
MEET OUR TEAM
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.
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!
Maya Gauhar
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!
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 or not. Our organization was founded in Chicago, but includes members from various different states.
Founder
Tal Neiman
Team Member
Emunah Block
Team Member
Isabel Finch
Team Member