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Lifting the Mask
New Adventures with The Unbeatables.
Powerful. Resilient. Determined.
The Unbeatables are a force to be reckoned with. Keep reading as they fight off everything that life throws at them, and as they take on the real villain - inflammatory bowel disease.
Meet the IBD Unmasked Contributors:
Emiliano Bezek
Emiliano Bezek
Emiliano Bezek was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2008, but continues to live a fulfilling life as a trainer and competitive weight-lifter in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Emiliano was a national team member and participant in the 2013 junior world weightlifting championship. He finds comfort and support from his friends and family, as well as his loving dog. Emiliano notes his support system is his reason to get up every day and try to do his best. Before taking part in the virtual brainstorm for IBD Unmasked, Emiliano had never met nor shared his experience with another person living with IBD.
Thiago Jose Streck Del Grande
Thiago Jose Streck Del Grande
Thiago was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2012. Since then, Thiago has been working to inspire others by sharing his own story through the blog “Ai, Minha Barriga” (translating to “Ouch, My Belly”). Thiago is also active in social networks, such as Instagram, showing that it is possible to have a normal life even while living with IBD. Thiago encourages people living with IBD to set goals and to gain inspiration from successful athletes who have accomplished incredible feats while living with IBD. Aside from the members of the IBD community, Thiago finds strength and inspiration from the support of his family, friends and co-workers.
Jeroen Schipper
Jeroen Schipper
Jeroen Schipper was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2008. As a father of two and a dedicated husband, Jeroen struggled to maintain normalcy around him. Thankfully, with the necessary medical care and support of family and friends, Jeroen has reached and remained in remission for four years, allowing him to work, play sports, and enjoy spending time with the people most important to him. Jeroen encourages others to speak up about the disease and end the silence around it – he lives by the well-known motto: “In the end, everything is gonna be alright. If not, it’s not the end!”
Michael Seres
Michael Seres
Michael Seres has been living with Crohn’s disease for more than 30 years. In 2011, Michael became the 11th patient in the UK to undergo a rare intestinal transplant after multiple bowel resections and intestinal failure. The surgery left Michael dependent on an ileostomy bag. Michael’s struggle with IBD led to his invention of a device that allows doctors to monitor individuals’ gut function remotely. Since then, Michael founded 11Health, a patient led integrated platform company to help people cope with an ostomy.
Nidhi Swarup
Nidhi Swarup
Nidhi Swarup, President of Crohn’s and Colitis Society of Singapore, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2011 after a flare up leading to her hospitalization. Prior to diagnosis, Nidhi was leading a hectic life, dedicating her time to her husband, three children and her full-time job as the Executive Director at the Foundation of Rotary Clubs (Singapore) Ltd. Post diagnosis, Nidhi shifted her lifestyle and dedicated her career to becoming a leader in empowering others going through the same struggles with IBD. The disease hasn’t stopped Nidhi from doing the things she loves, specifically reading and her passion for photography and storytelling. Nidhi also volunteers with and serves as Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Raffles City.
Seb Tucknott
Seb Tucknott
Seven years after he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2008, Seb Tucknott founded IBDrelief, a website that houses articles, disease management options and patient stories, along with other supportive tools for people living with IBD like himself. Seb is also an active spokesperson for the IBD community, bringing it upon himself to create a voice for fellow individuals living with IBD. Seb lives in Brighton, United Kingdom, with his wife and son who serve as his support system.
Chantel Wicks
Chantel Wicks
Since she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in 2007, Chantel Wicks has become a proud spokesperson for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada and is an advocate who speaks openly and publicly about her life with IBD. She volunteers as a host on the podcast ‘Guts and Glory’, which discusses all aspects of living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and airs interviews with professionals, athletes and parents. Chantel lives by her personal motto of ‘Strength and Positive Thoughts’ in order to live each moment to its fullest potential. She teaches the 7th and 8th grade in her hometown of Toronto, Canada.
Frieda Wieme
Frieda Wieme
Frieda Wieme was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 1978. As a mother of two living in Belgium, Frieda fought tirelessly to create a sense of normalcy for herself and her family. However, Frieda found herself losing valued time from incessant trips to the bathroom and fighting to keep her job as she was forced to miss work because of fatigue and pain. After 10 years, Frieda went into remission, but her Crohn’s disease worsened again requiring surgeries in 1989 and 2011. Frieda serves as a spokesperson for Crohn & Colitis ulcerosa Vereniging vzw. Her arduous journey hasn’t stopped her from remaining positive and traveling the world to spread a powerful message: “Keep on smiling and never lose hope. Better days are coming very soon!”
Professor James Lindsay
FRCP PhD BMBch
Professor James Lindsay
FRCP PhD BMBch
James Lindsay is the Professor of Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Barts and the Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London and a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Barts Health NHS Trust. Along with a full multidisciplinary team he leads the adolescent and adult IBD service at The Royal London Hospital.
He is the Education Officer and a member of the Governing Board of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO). He has chaired working groups for the ECCO consensus on the management of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
He is Chief Investigator for a series of clinical trials in IBD. In addition, he jointly leads two translational research programs that investigate the cause of this disease.
Disclaimer
DISCLAIMER
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The content on IBDunmasked.com is not, nor is it intended to be, medical consultations, diagnoses, or treatment recommendations. The content on this site is not intended to replace guidance from your healthcare providers. Always consult your healthcare providers for all medical- and health-related matters.