That’s where social media can play a big role — it provides a platform to connect with others living with Crohn’s. Instagram is especially helpful. The visual nature of the platform allows people to share their personal experiences while exchanging recipes, advice, and inspiring photos and stories. From meal prep ideas to inspiring ostomy selfies to fitness stars living with the disease, here’s a list of Crohn’s-related accounts to follow on Instagram. Uncoverostomy Uncover Ostomy was launched in 2009 by Jessica Grossman as part of a high school social media project to spread positive ostomy awareness. Grossman was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 8 and was bedridden in the hospital during her preteen years. After countless tests and treatments, she underwent ostomy surgery in 2013. Now in great health, Grossman uses Uncover Ostomy as a platform to share not only her story but the stories of everyone who wants to encourage body positivity for those with ostomies. Girlinhealing Alexa Federico is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 12. Now in her twenties, she says she has learned a lot about the connection between food, lifestyle, and health. On Instagram, she shares nutritious meal ideas, healthy living tips, and her personal reflections on what it means to live a healthy life with Crohn’s disease. RELATED: Top Crohn’s Accounts to Follow on Twitter Sapranothegr8 Theodore Merriweather Jr. was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2004 and is the founder of Crohn’s No More!, a nonprofit organization that aims to raise awareness of the illness and offer alternative methods to reduce the symptoms the disease. His Instagram features his Crohn’s advocacy projects, health updates, and inspirational photos of him hitting the gym hard. Peter_n_Nielson Peter Nielson is a life coach and fitness star who had two near-death experiences that were related to Crohn’s disease. Despite his health struggles, he refused to give up — now, he’s has won 50 bodybuilding titles, including Mr. International Universe. Follow him on Instagram for inspirational messages and quick instructional workout videos. Marywiththegreenhair Mary Horsley is a 29-year-old Navy veteran and wife living with Crohn’s disease. She writes regularly on her blog “It Could Be Worse” and says she enjoys sharing her journey “with other invisible illness warriors.” She tries to find the positive in each day, and her Instagram follows a similar tone: She shares health updates and artsy self portraits that help remind others to shine a light on the good. Sweetenedbynature Jamie is a medical student who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in January 2016. Through her many ups and downs with the illness, she says she has found great healing using the Autoimmune Paleo Diet. While no one diet is recommended to treat Crohn’s disease and each individual should speak to his or her doctor about what is right for them, if you’re interested in learning more about Jamie’s journey, follow her on Instagram. She shares updates on her health, healthy meal ideas, and articles aimed at spreading education and awareness around Crohn’s. Roadtriptammy Tammy Williams is a former trial attorney from Seattle living with Crohn’s disease. After 20 years of practice, she left her career at age 46 in 2015 to hit the open road. She currently lives in an RV and her Instagram is full of inspiring photos from her travels across the country — which she visits with her “constant companion” Crohn’s. Follow her on Instagram to remind yourself that Crohn’s doesn’t have to stop you from travelling or fulfilling your goals.
