When she looks back on the day she was diagnosed more than 20 years ago, she marvels at the difference in her own life and what has changed for all people with IBD. In that case, she only had a few treatment options to choose from. There are currently more than a dozen drugs available to treat inflammatory bowel disease.
She raises money for IBD research through 5Ks and half marathons, combining her love of track and field with her desire to help find a cure for these diseases.
“I want people to know that there is hope for people with IBD,” says Natalie. “We’re all good at faking it and putting on a happy face. We have a chronic illness and it’s something that will last a lifetime. But we can make the most of every day. And you can live a wonderful life.”