Kimberly is the driving force behind this platform, and she is a devoted IBD advocate with a genuine passion for helping others navigate their IBD journey. Her unwavering commitment to empowering individuals with IBD stems from her own experiences and challenges with the condition. Having lived with a chronic illness, she understands the importance of providing a supportive community and reliable resources.
Meet Kimberly Hooks, a resilient Georgia-based national inflammatory bowel disease patient advocate dedicated to enhancing community health through advocacy.
Kimberly's own journey with IBD began in September of 2011 when she received an official diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis. For years, she endured the debilitating effects of the condition, facing abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, bloody stools, and fatigue. Despite the challenges, she remained steadfast, believing that the disease had already pushed her to her limits, only to discover that there was more to come.
In May of 2020, amidst the brink of a new pandemic, Kimberly received the news that she needed to undergo a proctocolectomy, also known as a JPouch surgery. Although fear gripped her heart, she held onto hope, knowing that this three-part surgery offered her a chance at a better quality of life. The experience transformed her into a survivor, sparking within her a newfound purpose in life – to share her powerful testimony and offer support to others navigating life with IBD.
With unwavering determination, Kimberly has embraced her role as an advocate, using her own journey as a guiding light for others. She recognizes the significance of representation and support for minorities in the IBD community. Actively engaged with the American Gastroenterological Association and Color of Gastrointestinal Illnesses, Kimberly amplifies the patient's voice in GI care.
Through this website, Kimberly aims to empower and uplift those living with IBD, especially minorities facing unique challenges. Her inspiring story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding others that they too can conquer the obstacles that come their way. Join her on this transformative journey as she shares her experiences, insights, and knowledge, fostering a community of resilience, strength, and unwavering support. Together, we can navigate the complexities of life with IBD, hand in hand, and emerge stronger, braver, and more empowered than ever before.
Contact Kimberly for more info.