World IBD Day Panel Discussion: Experiences of Minority IBD Patients & Caregivers

By Anand Omprakash

For World IBD Day, I was invited to be a part of a virtual panel discussion with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Dr. Meena Bewtra (IBD patient & gastroenterologist) and Stephanie Stinson (IBD patient) highlighting the unique struggles that minority patients and caregivers face. I did this because I wanted to shed light upon the stigmas surrounding chronic illness in my community, especially so when it comes to a bowel disease and to marriage. In many communities around the world, a chronic illness is often viewed as a liability because marriage is considered as a familial “contract” to provide and reproduce and not just a means to provide a loving, lifelong companionship.

To watch the video, click here:

The message I want to impart today is that it’s time we discard any antiquated ways of thinking about relationships and look at people for who they are beyond their illnesses. I want my message today to hit home and allow people to really consider someone with chronic illness as a good partner, not a liability, as I have done with my wife, Tina.

So, own your Crohn’s, own your ostomy, and own your relationships. The fact of the matter is that it is hard to find good people to click with so why not pursue relationships with those who ignite your soul even if they have a chronic illness?

Check out a related article I wrote for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation for IBD Awareness Week 2019: https://ownyourcrohns.com/the-other-side-of-crohns-caregiving/.