Meet the 

founder

Alice McDonnell

Autoimmune 411™ is the culmination of over two decades of patient advocacy. Long before founding Hashimoto’s 411®, I was working to spread a vital message: that 9 out of 10 cases of hypothyroidism are autoimmune in nature. That patient-first education and persistence eventually led me to create Hashimoto’s 411®, which has since grown into the world’s largest autoimmune thyroid community.

What began as a grassroots effort to give patients the answers they never received at diagnosis has evolved into a larger mission: supporting all autoimmune patients through education, strategic guidance, and real-world experience. 

This work is deeply personal. It’s shaped by my own healing journey, the countless patients I’ve supported, and those closest to me — family, friends, and especially my two daughters, who are genetically predisposed to autoimmune conditions. Their presence and behind the scenes contributions remind me daily what this is all about: family, legacy, and helping others heal.

To the Hashimoto’s 411 moderators who pushed me beyond the support group: thank you for sparking the fire that led me to create a far greater resource — for myself, my daughters, and countless patients who need more strategic guidance than social media posts and the limited scope of discussion within the group could provide.

Today, Autoimmune 411 Academy builds on more than 20+ years of volunteer advocacy — countless hours poured into helping others simply because it mattered. What began as full-time volunteerism is transitioning into a sustainable mission, much like practitioners or health coaches  serving patients and clients, but with a different focus: creating the ultimate patient knowledge base. This resource helps patients see the big picture and confidently navigate the countless autoimmune options - practitioners, diets, protocols, and more - in the right sequence, saving them both money and years of trial and error research.   My strength has always been, and continues to be connecting people with knowledge, tools, and practitioners that truly support their healing.

The Academy was built with accessibility at its core — Resources and strategies for every financial level, not just those who can afford costly interventions. Thoughtfully designed merchandise and carefully chosen affiliate links help fund this work, while scholarships and course access are regularly gifted to those in hardship. This ensures the heart of my advocacy remains unchanged.

 This is advocacy that’s personal, purposeful, and patient-first.