Founder
Nathanael (Nate) Milam II is a rare disease survivor, nationally recognized advocate, and the brains behind Stripes of Solidarity—a platform that bridges lived experience with systems change to amplify the voices of patients too often ignored in healthcare conversations.
For nearly a decade, Nate lived under a misdiagnosis of Crohn’s disease, when he was in fact battling Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)—a life-threatening immune disorder. The delayed diagnosis and subsequent decline were the result of lack of awareness, entrenched medical bias, and systemic gaps that disproportionately harm Black and LGBTQ+ patients. By the time HLH was accurately identified, Nate required an urgent bone marrow transplant to survive.
That experience—surviving both a deadly illness and the failures of the system—lit a fire that became a lifelong calling. Nate transformed his pain into purpose, emerging as a bold advocate with the lived experience, professional insight, and strategic acumen to drive lasting change.
Armed with a B.S. in Health Services Management and a passion for creative communication, Nate has since become a sought-after speaker, storyteller, and policy strategist. He has delivered keynote talks, hosted national ceremonies like the Rare Voice Awards, and led educational briefings for organizations such as the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition and the Histiocytosis Association. As a designer and content creator, he has built campaigns that uplift LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices in rare disease spaces.
Currently, Nate serves as an Ambassador and Co-Chair of the Patient Advisory Board for the Histiocytosis Association and the North American Consortium for Histiocytosis (NACHO), where he influences research priorities and supports patient-provider communication. As a legislative intern and Advisory Committee Member for the EveryLife Foundation, he’s contributed to national policy by tracking federal legislation, preparing advocacy materials, organizing Hill Days, and mentoring young advocates—helping shape a more inclusive and effective rare disease movement.
Stripes of Solidarity is the culmination of Nate’s journey—from misdiagnosed patient to empowered founder. It is a dynamic advocacy platform rooted in equity, healing, and representation, where rare disease patients across identities can find not only resources but also radical belonging.
For Nate, advocacy is a form of survival, justice, and legacy. And through SOS, he’s building the future he once needed: one where no one has to fight rare disease alone or in silence.