Here at IBD News Today, we try to bring all the latest research and treatment news to our readers, but we also try to highlight what life is like for those who live with the disease. Among our great team of writers is a team of columnists who share their personal experiences with the world.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for their contributions and valuable insight, which often offers a different perspective on the disease.

Judy Walters
Judy is a four-time published author of women’s fiction and has been living with Crohn’s disease for 15 years. In her column Crohn’s Corner, she writes about various aspects of living with the condition, including how having Crohn’s affects her whole family, the constant struggle of dealing with insurance companies, medical marijuana, and talking to others about your chronic illness.

Read Judy’s latest column: Back to Basics: The Colonoscopy

Mary Horsley
Mary Horsley is a 28-year-old navy veteran and now a communications and journalism student. In her column It Could Be Worse, Mary writes about her ongoing journey with chronic illness and offers advice to others who have been recently diagnosed. She shares tips on coping with a Crohn’s diagnosis, detailing the early signs and symptoms of the disease, and discussing some of the medications she takes.

Read Mary’s latest column: Crohn’s Complications Part 2: Emergency Room Visits

Shawntel Bethea
Shawntel Bethea is 25 years old and our newest columnist. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when she was 17 years old. In 2014 Shawntel had a colon removed and an ostomy bag fitted, a year later she was fitted with a J Pouch. We look forward to hearing more from Shawntel and discovering more about her journey with IBD in her column Chronically Strong.

Read Shawntel’s latest column: Welcome to Chronically Strong

Lisa Burks
Lisa Burks was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2014 at the age of 29. In her column Finding the Silver Linings, Lisa writes about the differences between IBD and IBS, the emotional side of living with a chronic illness, moving forward after her diagnosis, and some of the annoying comments other people make about her condition.

Read Lisa’s latest column: Steroids: A Blessing and a Curse

IBD News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.