Mascha has two chronic illnesses: ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, and a rare condition called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), which blocks the flow of bile from the liver and damages liver cells. When her IBD symptoms are at their worst, Mascha says it feels like having “food poisoning every day."

Mascha hit a low point three years ago and decided to take her psychological and physical health into her own hands. As she examined her own health journey, she began to realize that a difficult childhood was likely a contributing factor to why her body developed these conditions. Research has found that trauma-related stress can have a biological impact on the body, and even lead to illness.

Mascha revamped her diet and exercise regimen, worked with a therapist, learned how to slow down and consciously tried to reduce stress for the first time in her life. She embarked on what she now calls her “year of healing," focusing on the interconnected nature of mind and body.