Jess Loren
This Spotlight appeared in our May 2026 newsletter.
How did you get involved with the Foundation?
I was fortunate to be able to get connected with VWD Connect Foundation through my close friend, (staff member) Scarlett Siskind.
Where do you live, and what is a hidden gem in your area you’d recommend to visitors?
I live in Plantation, FL an hour south of West Palm Beach. I am a huge nature buff, so my idea of a local gem is a quiet nature preserve named Tree Tops Park.
When you aren’t on staff, what can we usually find you doing?
When I am not on staff, you will likely find me with my two wonderful horses, Paddington and Clea. Besides riding them, I spend a lot of time performing red light therapy and Magnawave therapy (electro-magnetic stimulation) to help support their physical performance. However, this therapy isn’t limited to horses—it can also be effective for humans, helping to accelerate recovery from muscle tears, wounds, or even relieve strong cramps.
Do you have a personal mantra/tip/hack/ for when you need to ground yourself in the moment?
In moments of overwhelm, the most important tip I’ve been told is to just keep breathing. It’s super simple, yet effective. I’ve found myself unintentionally holding my breath during times of stress, and doing that only worsens my anxiety. My favorite grounding technique is to breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds.
The Conference is a family affair for you… tell us about your sisters!
Both of my older sisters participate in the Conference along with me. It is wonderful, as we have all grown up very tight-knit. My oldest sister, Amanda, is very kind and put-together. She is going to Yale to become an APRN and has helped open up my perspective as I’ve entered my adult life. Thanks to her, I can successfully put on makeup and put together a matching outfit. My sister Katie is the middle child. She is witty and very talented at playing the guitar and singing. She also loves reptiles, which creeps me out a little, but I love listening to her talk about them. She owns
a snake and a lizard named Munchkin.
Have you learned anything surprising from attending the Conferences?
Something behind the scenes of the conference that might surprise attendees is the amount of light-hearted humor that goes on. There are many friendships, and we all share a mutual goal of making the Conference as successful as possible while keeping stress to a minimum. John Cesta in particular is quick with jokes and even a few magic tricks. He never fails to make everyone laugh, and it’s genuinely heartwarming to be around.
What would the name of your breakout session be?
I would definitely discuss the powerful effects of Magnawave therapy. I have firsthand experience with how impactful this therapy can be in the recovery process. I’ve witnessed it significantly reduce pain for a man experiencing diverticulosis, and I’ve also personally felt improvement in my own pain from a severe shoulder impingement.. In addition, it helped restore a good quality of life for my dog, who nearly passed away from a severe, medication-resistant staph infection. From seeing him lying in bed in severe pain and losing much of his fur, to running around like a puppy again, it was an incredible transformation to witness.
What do you admire about the patients and/or community that they might not see in themselves?
I admire the determination and strength of the patients the most. I have listened to them share extremely vulnerable stories about experiences that no one should ever have to go through. Despite the heartache, they persevere and continue to pursue their purpose. Along with that, they connect with doctors and other patients, building a strong sense of community and support that helps carry them forward.
What do you find particularly moving at these conferences?
I’ve witnessed the lengths (Executive Director) Jeanette goes to in order to ensure that attendees, patients, and staff are content. She is so fastidious, always making sure every fact she has is accurate and can contribute meaningfully to helping the VWD community. The empathy, intelligence, and talent she has for public speaking comes so effortlessly, and she gives me an idea of the type of person I aspire to be.
Has your perspective on VWD or working with patients changed over the years?
When I first got involved in the organization, I did not truly understand how substantial these conferences are. As I became more involved, I realized how recent a fuller understanding of this disorder is, and how difficult it can be to find a community of people who study, understand, and advocate for those who experience VWD.
This shift in perspective has been very inspiring, as I’ve seen how relieved people feel to know they are not alone in this journey. Being a part of this makes me want to participate in being a reason that change continues to happen in this world. •