Natalie (Sparacio) Hayden, 40, is a former TV news anchor and reporter living in the Midwest. Her mission in life is to be an advocate for those battling inflammatory bowel disease and to show that a chronic illness doesn’t have to dull your sparkle. Natalie was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in July 2005, two months after graduating from college. After several hospitalizations, countless medications and flare ups, she underwent bowel resection surgery in August 2015.
Natalie and her husband Bobby have three children.
Lights, Camera, Crohn’s covers everything from overcoming struggles to celebrating small victories throughout all parts of the patient journey from diagnosis and beyond. Natalie enjoys sharing stories about family planning, pregnancy, and motherhood in hopes of comforting and empowering others. Stay tuned for weekly articles every Monday.
Along with her blog, Natalie is the United States Ambassador for the first-ever Global Consensus Conference on IBD and pregnancy. She’s also on the Advisory Board for IBD Moms, part of IBD Social Circle (#IBDSC), on the Patient Leadership Council for the Social Health Network, a member of the Patient Engagement Research Council for Janssen, and a contributor to Everyday Health, Healthy Women, the IBD Healthline app, Mamas Facing Forward, and IBD Moms. Natalie is also an active volunteer and spokesperson for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, specifically the Mid-America Chapter. She was nominated for and won the Community Cultivator Award for the Social Health Awards as a credit to all she does to support and guide those with IBD.
Click here for a good belly laugh from my TV days.
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