July 10, 2023
Wanni Zhang started experiencing symptoms of ulcerative colitis at just 20 years old. Four months later, she received a formal diagnosis. Since then, Wanni has worked hard to learn to live well with her condition and today she is thriving.
Ulcerative colitis, which affects an estimated 104,000 Canadians, is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). When someone has IBD, their immune system attacks the lining of the lower digestive tract. Over time, this can lead to weight loss, anemia, and an increased risk of colon cancer.
Watch the video below to hear how Wanni navigated her UC diagnosis and the role worry and embarrassment played, especially in the early days of her journey.
Wanni also offers her perspective on how she turned her diagnosis into an opportunity to prioritize self-care and rediscover all of the big and small things that bring joy and balance to her life.
“I feel at my best when I feel informed about how to manage my UC. In turn, this helps me work towards – and achieve – my best life.”
- Wanni Zhang, Living with Ulcerative Colitis