As we approach National IBD Day, I want to take a moment to share my personal journey with Crohn’s Disease — a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that affects millions around the world yet often remains misunderstood.
Living with Crohn’s means navigating a chronic illness that doesn’t always show on the outside. It’s a condition that brings unpredictable flare-ups, fatigue, pain, and a long list of physical and emotional challenges. For me, the path has included moments of uncertainty, countless doctor visits, surgeries, and making difficult decisions about health, work, and lifestyle. But it has also shaped my resilience, deepened my empathy, and reminded me of the importance of advocacy and awareness.
IBD isn’t just a medical condition — it’s a lived experience. And while it can be isolating, I’ve learned that sharing our stories matters. It raises visibility, promotes early diagnosis, supports ongoing research, and builds community for those who may be quietly fighting similar battles.
This National IBD Day, I stand with fellow patients, families, caregivers, and medical professionals committed to finding better treatments and, one day, a cure. Awareness leads to understanding, and understanding leads to progress. Together, we can break the silence, challenge the stigma, and support those affected by IBD every day.
Make it a great day!