Keyla

Keyla is an advocate and model who has a double diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Through advocating for her health and connecting with the community, she found a powerful voice, choosing to transform and be seen—scars and all.

Searching for clarity

Keyla’s first symptoms, including stomach aches and severe constipation, began around age 9. Language barriers made it difficult for her Spanish-speaking parents and the doctors to communicate, which complicated the situation. As an adult, symptoms worsened, including urgency and bloody stools, until she finally passed out at work. After receiving an initial misdiagnosis of a food allergy, she got a second opinion and was officially diagnosed with UC.

When I first received the diagnosis, I wasn’t aware of how severe it could be and that it would be my life-long friend.

Medications and complications

At 30, Keyla underwent a hysterectomy for uterine cancer, which added complexity to her health management. She went on medication and ultimately opted to have her colon removed via a two-phase “J-pouch” procedure. The procedure failed, leading to a permanent ostomy bag and a new diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. Keyla found motivation in her son, knowing she couldn’t let her health challenges make her cynical.

Now you see her

Keyla realized she had to choose to learn to love the change or hate it. She got into advocacy and modeling after a body positivity photo shoot to accept her ostomy bag, realizing she is beautiful and powerful no matter what. She encourages others living with IBD to find their passion and recognize that IBD doesn’t define them.

Don’t let a diagnosis decide who you are. Instead, show the world what you’re made of. Make them see you.

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IBD Glossary

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