“I want to be part of the movement that breaks the stigma and makes sure no one feels alone and confused the way I once did.” – Amani’s story
I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis just before my 14th birthday, and it turned my world upside down. No one in my immediate family had ever heard of “ulcerative colitis”. And, after my second colonoscopy, the diagnosis shifted to possibly Crohn’s disease instead. The next few years became a cycle of trial and error with medications, flare-ups, and learning to live with something I hadn’t asked for.
It took me a long time to feel ready to share my story. The stigma around IBD is real, and for a while it made me want to stay quiet. However, I realised if I want the stigma to fade, I need to play a bigger part in challenging it.
IBD has reshaped me in ways I never expected. It has pushed me to be more ambitious, more resilient, and to pursue studies in nutrition and dietetics so I can one day make a meaningful impact for others living with IBD.
I want to be part of the movement that breaks the stigma and makes sure no one feels alone and confused the way I once did.
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