After several years of testing, Hanne Kolflaath (50) from Drøbak was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Instead of giving up, she used her experience to develop an app, a tool to help others in the same situation.
It was in 2023 that she received the diagnosis.
– First and foremost, it was a relief, because it was an answer. Shortly after, I became afraid. I really love going on long walks with my dogs carrying a big backpack, which I’ve done for many years. On top of that, I couldn’t work. At the time I was diagnosed, I was a single parent, and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to provide for my children and be there for them. That was what I was most afraid of, but it turned out okay,” says Hanne Kolflaath.
Kolflaath makes no secret of the fact that life with fibromyalgia is a challenge.
– I work really hard to adapt my life. Life goes on, after all; you have children to take care of, you have to work, and you have to find a balance.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects connective tissue, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Many people with fibromyalgia report that they developed the condition following prolonged external physical and psychological stress, such as after a serious illness, a traumatic divorce, or an accident.
Important to speak out
Kolflaath says that it has been a challenge for her to come forward with her story.
– “I’m actually very private, but I think it’s good for many people that there’s someone speaking out about fibromyalgia and serving as a public face,” she says.
She wants to help break down the stigma surrounding the diagnosis.
–A lot of people are judgmental and say you’re just complaining and that it’s all in your head. I think it’s good for many people to hear that I was a top executive and was in great shape. I worked out really hard, and still got sick. It’s not just because you’re being stubborn.
PUBLIC FIGURE: For Hanne Kolflaath, being a public figure didn’t come naturally. Today she works on the app and is the CEO of Valori AS
She talks about the pain and exhaustion that can follow social activities.
– “You’re really affected socially. After fun things, like a girls’ night out, it can take me several weeks to recover,” says the Drøbak native, continuing:
– “I was careful not to go on too long of walks, to get enough sleep, and to listen to my body.”
– “This is the first time it’s taken me so long to recover.”
– It was hard for me to realize that it takes me so long. Next time, I won’t be able to join the trip for as long. I get pain in my body in several places, and then I need help with daily tasks. At the same time, I’m very tired; it’s hard to keep my body going.
An active daily life
Kolflaath has always been active.
– "I used to go to a personal trainer and work out really hard, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, I noticed a change. I had pain from the top of my head all the way down to my toes. Sometimes I couldn’t use my hands because my wrists hurt so much. I had to use both hands just to lift a glass. The exhaustion I felt was absolutely extreme,” she says.
Kolflaath tested positive for a serious illness in her blood tests and was referred for further evaluation.
– Then they took many tests and performed CT scans and X-rays of all vital body parts over a period of two years. They found nothing and concluded that it must be fibromyalgia. Then I was told to go home and stop stressing. That’s easier said than done.
That’s when the idea for the app began.
LOVES HIKING: “I really love going on long hikes with my dogs and a big backpack,” says Kolflaath. Photo: Private
From spreadsheet to app
Kolflaath refused to let the disease define her. With 25 years of experience in healthcare digitization, she saw a need for a tool that could help fibromyalgia patients find balance in their lives.
– It’s a diagnosis that unfortunately often leads to disability, and after several years of testing, I was terrified of no longer being able to work. There are no medications proven to work. What you can do is accept that you have a diagnosis and, with that, find a balance in life, says Kolflaath.
– “You don’t want to stop working. I’ve worked in IT and healthcare my whole life, and I figured that since there isn’t a tool for this patient group, I’d have to create it myself. We had an exploratory phase for a few months with patients, family members, clinicians, and other healthcare providers. That’s when we figured out what the need was.”
ACTIVE USER: Hanne Kolflaath herself is an active user of the app, “Helfi.” Photo: Tommy Kristiansen
Launch
In June 2024, the “Helfi” app was launched, just one year after Kolflaath received her diagnosis.
– We got started, brought in investors, developed the app, and launched it—one year after I was diagnosed.
– “I started looking for a tool to help me keep track of what causes stress and throws me off balance. At first, I used a spreadsheet to take notes, but eventually I thought, ‘This is too silly—I’ve been working on digitizing the healthcare system for 25 years.’ That’s how the idea for Helfi was born.”
What is Helfi?
Helfi is a digital tool specially developed for fibromyalgia patients in close collaboration with both patient groups and clinicians to meet their actual needs. The app is designed to help users achieve a better understanding and acceptance of their own condition, effectively manage their symptoms, and find balance in their daily lives with fibromyalgia.
At the time of writing, the app has around 2,000 downloads and approximately 300 paying customers. Kolflaath has big ambitions for “Helfi.”
– We had a clear vision. We wanted to help fibromyalgia patients lead better lives and reduce the number of people becoming disabled. Additionally, Helfi was built on a platform that enables the collection of anonymized data for research, something that is sorely lacking for this diagnosis.
Interest also extends beyond national borders:
– We haven’t found a comparable version in English either, so we’re working on launching it internationally as well.
LOVES BEING OUTDOORS: Hanne Kolflaath thrives outdoors in all kinds of weather. Photo: Private
Finalist in the HER-Awards
For her efforts and innovative solution, Hanne Kolflaath is now a finalist in the HER Awards 2025 in the Tech Entrepreneur of the Year category.
– “That’s wonderful,” she says humbly.
– “I’m proud that I came up with the idea and the impact it’s likely to have for many people. As for the award, there are many strong finalists; I don’t know if we’ll win. Some people have voted for us, and that’s very nice and kind. It’s fun to get recognition.”
– Do you use the app a lot yourself?
– I use the app daily and see what I’m doing “wrong.” We also want to connect it to smartwatches, since many people use them a lot and think it’s “fun” to see what has the biggest impact.
The award ceremony will take place at the Grand Hotel in Oslo on Monday, April 28.
NOMINATED: – I’m proud that I came up with the idea and the impact it’s likely to have on many people, she says. Photo: Private
