In this episode, Victoria, founder of GetYourBellyOut, shares her journey with ulcerative colitis and the importance of community support for those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). She discusses her diagnosis experience, the challenges of navigating healthcare, and the need for better patient advocacy. Victoria highlights the organization's growth, its initiatives like the IBD Nurse Helpline leaflets, and the significance of connecting patients with healthcare providers. She emphasizes the importance of funding to expand their services and create more opportunities for support, while also reflecting on the personal connections that drive her passion for this work.   Topics covered on this episode:

• Personal journey with ulcerative colitis and diagnosis experience
• Emotional and physical challenges of living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Importance of community support and connection for individuals with chronic illnesses
• Founding and evolution of the organization "GetYourBellyOut"
• Advocacy and awareness efforts for IBD and its impact on patients
• Family dynamics and the effects of IBD on relationships
• Role of social media in connecting individuals with IBD
• Challenges of being a public figure in the IBD community
• Importance of patient feedback in improving care and resources
• Future goals and initiatives for expanding support and resources for those affected by IBD

  Find GetYourBellyOut on:

• Web: https://getyourbellyout.org.uk/
• Facebook: @getyourbellyout
• Twitter: @getyourbellyout
• Instagram: @getyourbellyout_official
• LinkedIn: @getyourbellyout-cic
• Tik Tok: @getyourbellyout_official

Find Amber J Tresca at:

• AboutIBD.com: About IBD
• Verywell: Verywell Health
• Facebook: @aboutIBD
• Twitter: @aboutIBD
• Pinterest: @aboutibd
• Instagram: @about_IBD
• YouTube: @AboutIBD
• Threads: @about_IBD

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

• Facebook: @maccooneycomposer 
• Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
• Web: Cooney Studio
• YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
• Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.

  Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD175   These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.