Migraine Doesn't Define You, But It Can Redefine Your Career – AbbVie Steps Up to Help
Did you know that migraine affects one in six people, yet its impact on careers and daily life remains vastly underestimated? But here's where it gets controversial: while migraine is a widespread issue, many sufferers face stigma, bias, and a lack of support in their professional lives. AbbVie, a leader in migraine treatment, is taking a stand with its Migraine Career Catalyst Award™, a groundbreaking initiative that’s changing the narrative.
And this is the part most people miss: nearly 90% of migraine-related productivity loss comes from presenteeism—showing up to work but struggling to perform due to symptoms. This invisible burden affects not just careers but also finances and overall well-being. AbbVie’s award aims to tackle this head-on by providing financial support and recognition to 20 diverse individuals who are redefining success while living with migraine.
The 2025 honorees are a testament to resilience, spanning professions from educators and authors to small business owners and aspiring yoga instructors. Each recipient receives $2,500 to invest in their career goals, whether it’s furthering education, creating healthier work environments, or pursuing new opportunities. But the award is more than money—it’s a validation of their struggles and a spotlight on their achievements.
Take Debbie D., a user interface designer from California who’s battled migraine for over 40 years. She shared, ‘This award shows that my ambition is seen and supported, offering the tools I need to thrive without compromising my health.’ Or Garcie C., a Massachusetts educator with Chronic Migraine, who wrote, ‘Winning this award honors not just my journey but the collective experiences of women navigating motherhood, disability, and work within systems not designed for us.’ These stories highlight the transformative power of recognition and support.
But here’s the bold question: Why aren’t more companies addressing this issue? AbbVie’s initiative is a step in the right direction, but it also raises broader questions about workplace inclusivity and the need for systemic change. As Jag Dosanjh, AbbVie’s senior vice president, notes, ‘Migraine doesn’t just interrupt workdays—it can alter career trajectories.’
AbbVie’s commitment extends beyond this award. As the only company with three prescription treatments for migraine, they’re also driving research and innovation to uncover new therapies. Yet, their work goes beyond medicine, fostering partnerships with patients, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups to deepen understanding of migraine’s workplace challenges.
So, what do you think? Is enough being done to support migraine sufferers in the workplace? Or is this just the beginning of a much-needed conversation? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the dialogue going.
For the full list of 2025 winners, visit www.migrainecareercatalyst.com. And to learn more about AbbVie’s mission, follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
References:
1. Begasse de Dhaem O, Sakai F. Migraine in the workplace. eNeurologicalSci. 2022;27:100408. doi: 10.1016/j.ensci.2022.100408
2. Migraine At Work. About. Accessed September 26, 2025. https://migraineatwork.org/about/.
