Welcome to the journey of
Danielle Castro Parangan, Eva Gracej, and Melissa Maher - three women from the United States, Slovenia/Switzerland, and Ireland respectively. United by their shared experience of topical steroid withdrawal, they embarked on a mission to enlighten the world about this condition.
Their story began with the launch of the first-ever TSW magazine in October 2023, marking the inception of the nonprofit organization. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they all endured the distressing symptoms of topical steroid withdrawal after prolonged use of these medications.
Their shared experiences fueled their determination to raise global awareness about the potential risks of long-term topical steroid use and to offer support to those grappling with withdrawal symptoms. They have built a supportive community, connecting with others who have walked the same path, sharing their stories, and offering advice on managing withdrawal symptoms.
Mission
To empower individuals affected by Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) worldwide and educate those at risk of developing the condition by providing comprehensive information, support, and resources through our advocacy-driven magazine and community initiatives.
Vision
Our vision is a world where every person impacted by TSW has access to accurate information, compassionate support, and effective resources to navigate their healing journey with confidence and resilience.
Purpose
Our purpose is to raise awareness about the often misunderstood and under-recognized condition of TSW through our groundbreaking magazine. This publication serves as a centralized hub of invaluable information, compiled from reputable sources and personal experiences, making it easily accessible to those in need.
Recognizing the global reach of TSW, we are committed to translating our magazine into multiple languages, ensuring that individuals worldwide can access vital information in their native tongue. Our long-term goal is to distribute printed copies of our magazine to dermatologists, allergists, and general practitioners' offices, allowing patients to educate themselves on the potential risks of topical steroid usage and the reality of TSW. Through our efforts, we aim to empower individuals to advocate for their health and spread awareness of TSW to healthcare professionals and communities worldwide.
Meet our team
Danielle Castro Parangan, Co-founder & CEO
From Accounting to Advocacy
Danielle’s life took an unexpected turn in January 2023 when she began her steroid withdrawal journey. For over two decades, she had followed her doctors and allergists’ instructions, applying class four topical steroids twice a day. But the impact of TSW was profound, altering the course of her life.
As a senior accountant at a firm, Danielle’s career was flourishing. However, TSW forced her to reevaluate everything. She faced the difficult reality of being laid off due to her health condition. Yet, even in the face of adversity, Danielle found resilience and purpose.
Residing in sunny Florida, Danielle wears a new hat: CEO of a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about TSW. Her mission is clear—to make a positive impact in the community. Through meetups, educational initiatives, and a magazine, she hopes to empower others facing similar challenges.
Eva Gracej, originally from Slovenia and Switzerland, has been dealing with topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) for several years. Her journey has led her to the tropical paradise of Thailand, where she is harnessing the healing powers of the sun and sea with cold atmospheric plasma to aid her recovery from TSW.
In addition to her personal healing journey, Eva has aspirations to become an entrepreneur. As she continues her recovery process, she remains focused on overcoming TSW and working towards her entrepreneurial goals.
Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the relentless pursuit of health and happiness. It provides a perspective on managing personal health while pursuing individual aspirations.
Eva Gracej, Co-founder
Stephanie Ronan-Chlond,
AI Art Director
Stephanie has been a part of the TSW community since October 2021. During her journey, she had to take time off from her demanding career as a TV Producer to focus on her health. This hiatus led her to discover a profound passion for AI art and filmmaking. By creating cathartic images depicting the harrowing TSW process, Stephanie found a new creative outlet that resonated deeply with her.
Embracing this newfound passion, she embarked on a creative career as an AI filmmaker. This transition not only aligned better with her lifestyle and health needs but also provided her with a fulfilling direction she loves. Stephanie is dedicated to using AI technology to convey previously untold experiences, with a particular focus on TSW. Through her work, she aims to raise awareness and provide a voice to those navigating similar challenges.
Grace lives by the beach in the beautiful Bay of Plenty in New Zealand with her husband Campbell.
After relying on topical steroids for over two decades Grace went into topical steroid withdrawal in July 2020. Determined to turn her experience into a positive one, Grace is focussed on raising awareness about this often misunderstood condition. Her mission is twofold: to spare others from becoming addicted to steroids and to offer support and guidance to those already grappling with topical steroid withdrawal.
Grace McMillan,
Puzzle constructor
Nicole Vasquez,
Community Engagement Coordinator
Nicole has been connected to the TSW community since 2022 when her oldest daughter Isabella started going through full body TSW. Nicole helped to take care of her daughter and then about a year later started going through TSW herself on her face, neck and arms.
Nicole is a mom of 6 and a community organizer. It seemed natural for her to connect with others through social media. TSW is such a lonely, debilitating condition that literally affects our ability to give and receive human touch, we NEED each other through this healing process. She believes that through connecting people with TSW we are foraging a community that validates our experiences and makes us feel seen and heard in a world that struggles to even admit TSW exists.
Nicole believes that as a caretaker AND a TSW sufferer that she has insight to the difficulties that everyone experiences through this healing process. TSW is preventable and she is so very passionate about sharing peoples stories so that in the future, we can save people from this treacherous condition.
Board Members
Melissa Maher
Co-founder
Daniel Parangan
Caregiver for a TSW patient
Javier Gonzalez
A friend to a TSW patient
Follow us
Orlando, FL
(646) 470-6471
internationaltswmagazine@gmail.com
International Topical Steroid Withdrawal Organization, Inc is a qualified 501(c)(3) EIN 99-1640719