About Us
Who, What, Where is Co-Immunity
Co-Immunity was created by patients, for patients. Why? Because we couldn't find solutions that addressed our needs. What we needed was unfiltered support that talked about how much it sucked to have a chronic illness. We needed a community that genuinely wanted to push each other to go after their dreams. Most importantly we wanted to be resilient and not allow our chronic illness to keep us from living our best lives.
Co-Immunity was founded in 2019 by Madeline Shonka and Kyle Manera in Wichita, KS. In March of 2020, Co-Immunity received its 501(c)3 status. Co-Immunity now hosts support groups for people diagnosed or searching for a diagnosis, ranging from middle school all the way through adulthood.
Meet The Team
Madeline Shonka, CEO
Madeline was diagnosed with Lupus and narcolepsy with cataplexy in high school. Before creating Co-Immunity Madeline has a background working as an EMT and volunteering in various healthcare settings. Maddie enjoys short walks on the beach, long naps, and the smell of roses.
Kyle Manera, COO
Kyle was diagnosed with thyroid disease and narcolepsy with cataplexy in college. With a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Kyle has a passion for innovation and helping his community. In his spare time, Kyle likes to volunteer, play sports, and help elderly people cross the street.
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
The Co-Immunity Foundation provides programs to support young adults with chronic disease.
Winning the game of life is much easier with an awesome team behind you. The Co-Immunity is here to be part of your team. Our goal is to help you understand your emotions and connect you with people who may not share your diagnosis, but can relate to your experience.
Our founder, Maddie, became reclusive when diagnosed. Her diseases had no local support, and anything she found online was targeted primarily for people older than her. The attitude of the resources she found were enabling – not empowering. Needless to say, she was pretty disappointed.
One day while waiting for a doctor’s appointment, she got a glimpse of what she wanted when she met a girl dealing with many of the same experiences as her. She understood the things people who knew Maddie for years hadn’t, all within a 15-minute conversation. Their “normals” were different from their peers, and she got that.
We hope Co-Immunity shares that gift with you, allowing you to realize that even when all hell breaks loose, you have people behind you, making sure you know that you can (and will) keep going.