Abbott Abrons first-hand experience with Crohns inspired her mission to support and empower moms navigating life with IBD.
I was unsatisfied with my diagnosisit felt like more than IBSand wanted answers and relief from my symptoms.
He was the first to believe me.
Brooke Abbott
I had surgery to remove mycolon(a part of the large intestine) in 2012.
An ongoing theme of my IBD experience has been medical gaslightingdoctors refusing to acknowledge the reality of my condition.
Black patients deserve to trust their providers and have providers who are not blinded by biases.
Were bombarded by biased images and messaging that stereotype and stigmatize individuals, therefore damaging perceptions and practices.
Unchecked perceptions can be incorrect.
Only once we recognize that this bigotry exists can we begin dismantling it.
Only then can we make healthcare more palatable for Black patients.
I couldnt find anyone who looked like me or shared similar experiences.
So many people stay silent for fear of being dismissed, belittled, or ignored.
Once I found the resources and tools I needed, I had to share them.
Observing my struggles has shaped him into someone outspoken, compassionate, and ready to help others.
He inspires others to do the same.
Second is our work through IBDMoms.
Weve built something extraordinary by helping moms find essential resources, navigating life-altering decisions, and finding connections.
Were also involved in advocating for wide-reaching policy changes.
My advocacy is driven by the belief that every patient and caregiver deserves the best possible quality of life.
As told toLauren Panoff, MPH, RD.
