Real Life. Real People. Real Change.

I’m a Crohn’s disease survivor since 2012. I’ve faced the challenges of treatment and remission, but I refuse to let Crohn’s define me.

Exercise and faith have been the key for me. From hiking and cycling, to swimming, boxing, and running, I’ve found strength, resilience, and purpose in every step and every mile. My journey is proof that even in the face of struggle, you can grow stronger, and still enjoy life.

Torrie Shepard is a storyteller, strategist, and changemaker. With a deep passion for amplifying the voices of the underserved, she has dedicated her career to crafting stories that uplift and educate. Torrie is from Newport News, Virginia, and based in Atlanta, Georgia. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in African American and African Studies from the University of Virginia. Currently, she serves as the Communications Manager for Southern AIDS Coalition.

My name is Tonya Kelly, M.Ed. For 9 years, I’ve served as a lead teacher, shaping classrooms into places where students can thrive. Life changed when I became an Ostomy Warrior in 2024, surviving multiple major surgeries and learning to walk a new path with courage. As a community advocate for ostomy awareness and bullying prevention, I use both my scars and my story to empower others. My mission is to give hope to everyone living with a gastrointestinal disease and to build champions in every student by breaking stigma and creating spaces of empowerment and positive cultures.