By the time Jade was diagnosed with atopic dermatitis at three months old—shortly after being adopted from Vietnam—her life's path was already being shaped by a condition that would accompany her every step of the way.
"When I was about a year and a half old, I already had to put cream on all the time," she recalls. "I started to become aware that after showering I had to moisturize. My parents were constantly reminding me not to scratch."
The Nightly Battle
The physical toll has been profound. "I call them scratching attacks—they are intense, uncontrollable itching attacks," she explains. "I will wake up scratching my scalp very, very hard, and the only thing that soothes me is washing my hair"—often in the middle of the night.
These disruptions affect not just her but those around her. "When I lived with my parents, I woke them up often because I took a shower at 2 a.m., and now that I live with my partner, it's the same." The condition also impacts her sense of femininity: "I can't wear rings, necklaces, nail polish...even collars that rub on my neck hurt me."
"I've always been encouraged to go all the way and to try, so I don't let eczema hold me back."
Jade
From Challenge to Inspiration
But where others might see limitations, Jade sees possibilities. She's participated in the 'Pékin Express' television adventure in Guatemala and completed the 4L Trophy, an annual humanitarian and sporting rally for students, through the Moroccan desert—despite the physical demands of her condition.
"The desert triggers a lot of eye allergies and asthma attacks... it's a vicious cycle that's hard to manage," she admits. Yet she persists, finding ways to adapt rather than retreat. "I've always been encouraged to go all the way and to try, so I don't let eczema hold me back."
Her resilience has become a source of inspiration. After sharing her experiences through the French Eczema Association, Jade received numerous messages from people saying, "Thank you for sharing your story—because I didn't dare to, but thanks to you, I feel ready to begin."
Creative Dreams Taking Flight
Today, Jade is pursuing multiple dreams. She's recording an album with songs about personal experiences including travel, family bonds, and overcoming obstacles. She's also written children's books, including Lorni et l'eczéma (Lorni and Eczema), featuring a platypus character who helps young readers understand skin conditions with empathy. "The goal is really to help children understand that you have to be open-minded, kind, and understanding of others' differences," she explains.
The Science of Possibility
Jade knows firsthand the importance of medical advances in managing atopic dermatitis—and how they can help people with chronic conditions pursue their dreams.
This is where Jade's story aligns with Sanofi's mission: pursuing the miracles of science to help create a world where conditions like atopic dermatitis don't limit dreams or define identities.
As Jade puts it, medical progress offers "hope and the freedom to do what we don't dare to because of the disease. Today, I feel able to step into the world with confidence." It's a powerful reminder that life's challenges need not be roadblocks –they can be detours leading to unexpected adventures, bold dreams, and opportunities to inspire others.
Every person's experience is unique and individual experiences may vary. Remember, your healthcare provider is the best source of health-related information and be sure to ask them any questions you may have. Individuals featured were compensated.
