I truly believe that when you are given a health diagnosis like IBD that could possibly affect the rest of your life it's normal and necessary to work through your feelings. Because really, these types of diagnoses are like a death - a death of the old new and in time, a rebirth of a new you.

Ten years ago I never would have guessed that today I would be a stronger person because of my IBD diagnosis. But I am. I appreciate my life with the good days and the bad ones, too. And I now know that I'm a lot stronger than I once thought I was and that I can prevail even when challenging and stressful situations come my way.

Read more about Elizabeth's diagnosis and how she learned to live with her colitis.