Leslie Shoy-Baron
Founder, Chairman, and CEO

Leslie’s Story

It was a warm summer day in 2002, while driving headed Downtown Brooklyn, New York, holding onto the wheel, when I experienced extreme pain under my arms. The infection under my arm was so severe, it altered my movement. I had reached a point where I could no longer bear the physical pain and uncertainty of what was happening to my body. I drove straight to the hospital. I was hospitalized, and tests confirmed that white blood count was high, and the physical flare ups of infection confirmed the diagnosis of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS).

Later I discovered that antibiotics around the clock would make my specific condition worsen, and the condition was rare and incurable. After years of experiencing multiple surgeries with no resolution of reaching control of HS, in my late twenties I took responsibility for my health and started journaling. The journal throughout the years helped me in learning what the HS triggers were, and how to eliminate flare ups. I created The Unhidden nonprofit organization, so HS Survivors can learn how to manage their HS journey.

My mission is to share information with the world, and hopefully contribute to a cure for all those who suffer with HS. Together we can empower ourselves to elevate to our fullest potential.