Nineteen years. That’s how long I’ve battled Ulcerative Colitis—a relentless, invisible enemy that’s tested me in every possible way. It’s been a journey filled with desperation, isolation, and moments where I thought I’d never catch a break. But through it all, there have been people, moments, and changes that transformed my life.
To those who witnessed my journey, I want to thank you.
Thank you, Cori, for laughing with me even as I “fell” in a canal. I still remember asking for my suitcase with my pants dripping wet and casually letting the attendant know that I ‘fell’ into the canal.
Thank you, Ashley, for sitting beside me after our movie date with the window’s rolled down just to breath after I couldn’t make it into a closing Walgreens to access their restroom after our delicious Mexican dinner and probably a margarita too many.
Thank you to the countless gas station attendants who offered to watch my kids when I couldn’t even leave the car without fear, and to the friends who understood when I canceled plans—again—because I couldn’t face the uncertainty of an unfamiliar place.
Thank you to Dan, who turned an embarrassing moment into humor, pointing out the “mess” as Zandyr and I snuck out the back door.
Thank you to the airlines who showed grace when flights turned into clean-up operations, and to Zandyr, who was fed in too many bathroom stalls because it was my only option at the time. And for constantly having grace with my situation.
Thank you to the blood donors who provided me enough blood so that my organs could function, and the appetite after a blood transfusion is amazing!
Thank you to Ayden, who endured the medications that saved my life during my pregnancy.
And thank you to my husband, Tyrel, who has hoped and prayed just as hard as I did for relief and stood by me through every setback, every flare, and every hopeless moment. Dragging me to the hospital when you knew I couldn’t take anymore but I was too afraid to admit it. Changing your diet and constantly refining to find a solution.
Over the past few months, something has shifted. After years of medications failing me, I made a decision: I needed to take back control. I embraced the carnivore diet, and it has been absolutely life-changing. By simplifying what I eat and fueling my body with what it truly needs, I’ve seen an incredible difference in how I feel and how my body responds.
I also committed to focusing on personal development—reading just 10 pages a day, every day. That small, consistent habit has had a massive ripple effect, giving me the tools and mindset to approach life with more confidence and clarity than ever before.
And now, I’m celebrating a win that feels like a miracle.
During a road trip (what?!?) and attending a work even Tyrel and I were enjoying our ability to just be spontaneous and to spend time together without a clear plan or a stratgey. My AMAZING gastroenterologist—the same one who inspired our move to North Carolina—and she gave me news I can hardly believe:
💥 “No active disease on the right side of your intestines, and just a small, healing inflammation on the left!” 💥
I cried. I celebrated. I reflected on how far I’ve come.
The past few weeks have been nothing short of life-changing. We’ve made intentional choices—upgrading our diet, spending quality time outdoors, and focusing on building a business that feels deeply meaningful.
Last week alone, we:
🚗 Drove 7+ hours from North Carolina to Florida
☀️ Walked on a Florida beach
🌾 Explored a marsh preserve
🦁 Visited the zoo
👔 Finished the day with a work meeting and dinner with friend
For someone who has been housebound, unable to drive long distances, and crushed by the weight of this disease, this feels like stepping into a new life.
I am so incredibly thankful to be on the other side of the darkest days. I won’t take a single moment for granted because I know exactly how much I’ve missed. Every step forward feels like a gift.
Here’s to healing, perseverance, and making the most of every moment. 💕
Escaping Crazy 