Actress and Bryn Mawr native Kat Dennings uses her platform to advocate for those who suffer from migraines, reports Cathy Cassata for Heathline. 

Known for her roles in Marvel films and “2 Broke Girls,” Dennings has battled with a chronic illness since she was 12. She recalls times of debilitating pain so intense that she would sleep near her mother for comfort.

Despite being told by doctors she would “grow out of it,” Dennings continued to struggle into adulthood. In her 20s, she finally received an official migraine diagnosis, joining over 40 million Americans who endure this chronic condition.

Dennings is now a prominent advocate, having recently participated in the “Migraine Blackout” campaign to raise awareness. In October, she went dark on social media for five days, symbolizing the impact of migraine attacks and encouraging others to take the condition seriously.

Her activism is focused on eliminating barriers to care, such as “step therapy,” which requires patients to try and fail multiple treatments before accessing the medication their doctor prescribes.

Supported by organizations like the American Headache Society, Dennings pushes for policy reform to improve patient access to migraine care.

Her message is clear: migraines are not merely headaches but a severe condition that requires understanding and better treatment options. She invites others to join her efforts by signing an open letter to Congress, urging support for step therapy reform and improved access to migraine treatments.

Read more about Kat Dennings and her advocacy of better treatments for migraines in Heathline.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on MONTCO Today in November 2024.