Montana Skurka is an Integrative Wellness Educator who is dedicated to providing patients with guidance, education and support as they overcome the unique challenges of chronic illness. In this episode (Part 1 of 2), Montana opens up about her personal life struggles with illness, including childhood cancer, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and eventually a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis as a teen which resulted in her needing to have surgery for a j-pouch. We discuss what we feel, are the short falls of our medical system, especially surrounding chronic illness and trauma and its impacts on mental health. Montana courageously shares her struggles with her health both physically and emotionally.

Hear the rest of Montana’s story of resilience and self-advocacy in Part 2 of this episode. In the meantime, check out her website and podcast at https://montanaskurka.com/