Inspirational Story
Marc’s Story
I’ve always been an adventurous guy. Hiking and exploring the outdoors was my passion, but when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in my early 40s, everything changed. My condition worsened, and eventually, my doctors said ostomy surgery was my only option. I was terrified—not of the surgery itself, but of what life would be…
Read MoreElara’s Story
I had always been the picture of health—an avid runner, a dedicated teacher, and a loving mother of two. My life was vibrant and full of promise. But one fateful day, I began experiencing severe abdominal pain and unexpected weight loss. What started as occasional discomfort quickly escalated into debilitating pain that left me bedridden.…
Read MoreShalonda’s Story
I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 17 years ago after the birth of my second child. At the time I didn’t realize that I had been having the symptoms of UC for longer than that. At the time of my diagnosis I wasn’t able to afford the treatments to help with my disease so I…
Read MoreJearlean’s Story
Hi my name is Jearlean Taylor. I have been a double ostomate for almost 50 years, since the age of 3 years old. I have been a fashion model for 21 years now. My ostomies helped saved my life, but does not dictate my life. I do, be, and live my life to the fullest.…
Read MoreCarol’s Story
Unlike others, I did not have Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis. I had a touch of Irritable Bowel. No biggie. I simply adjusted my diet. Well one day in April of 2018, I felt “like my belly was on fire.” So after a day of running errands all day long, I thought, I’m going to bed…
Read MoreEmma’s Story
My name is Emma, I’m 20 years old and I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 16. I tried all treatments first steroids , anti inflammatories and then moved onto biologics like azathioprine and mercaptopurine and the infusions drugs but nothing was working for me. I then had my first surgery February…
Read MoreKarron’s Story
I got an emergency ileostomy just before Christmas in 2017. For 6 months prior I had suffered with a persistent C-Diff infection that very nearly took my life. When I awoke after surgery and slowly became aware of what had happened, I was in shock and denial. I was horrified by this “alien” device and…
Read MoreClair’s Story
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s in 2011 and was petrified of needing a stoma as omg how embarrassing. Years went on and I was fine a bit of a Dicky tummy but that was it.. well until 2017 when I wasn’t ok anymore. Had to try every drug going and although I thought I was…
Read MoreDee Dee’s Story
Hi. My name is Dee Dee and I have been living with Crohn’s for 22 years and have had over 60 surgeries/procedures related to this disease. Has been one wild journey. I was misdiagnosed several times and then once we got the diagnosis it just went downhill. They have been some rare instances where I…
Read MoreJasmine’s Story
Hi, I’m Jasmine. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in March 2019. There was a long battle to get to that diagnosis, almost 7 years in the making, and within those 7 yrs, I’ve lost count in how many surgeries I had. After being diagnosed I was immediately put on infusions and different medications, then…
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