How a Life-Altering Diagnosis Became a Blueprint for Change

By Stephanie A. Wynn

In 2017, I received a diagnosis that disrupted every part of my life.

I was thriving in business, launching my first book, and living what many would call a healthy lifestyle. But behind the scenes, I was silently battling symptoms I couldn’t explain. I visited doctor after doctor, misdiagnosed, misunderstood, and overlooked.

Eventually, I heard the words: “It’s Crohn’s Disease.”

But what came next was silence.

No plan.

No roadmap.

No culturally responsive support.

Like so many others in underserved communities, I was left to navigate a chronic condition on my own.

From Patient to Advocate to Strategist 

That diagnosis was painful, but it became the spark. I decided to build what I didn’t have:

-A way to track my symptoms, labs, and care

-A system to understand my condition

-A structure to speak up, ask questions, and demand clarity

And I turned that system into something bigger, Navigating IBD: A Six-Week Blueprint for Better Gut Health, a step-by-step guide to help patients advocate for their care and reclaim control of their health journey.

A Program Built on Purpose

Today, that blueprint powers the IBD Patient Navigator® Program, which helps patients from underserved communities:

-Understand their diagnosis

-Communicate effectively with providers

-Monitor key health data

-Access culturally aligned resources and support

We’re not just giving patients information. We’re equipping them to change their outcomes.

As I mentioned in Navigating IBD:

“Advocating for yourself ensures your care aligns with your goals and values, empowering you to make informed healthcare decisions.”

The Bigger Picture

This work is about more than patient education. It’s about system change. If you’re a policymaker, funder, or healthcare leader, I invite you to connect.

Because what started as a personal journey is now a scalable model for community-driven solutions. And we’re just getting started.

Want to learn more or explore partnership opportunities?

Visit www.thestephanieawynnfoundation.org or email me directly at hello@thestephanieawynnfoundation.org.