Skip to content
The Crazy Creole Mommy Chronicles The Crazy Creole Mommy Chronicles

Tackling Mommyhood One Tantrum & Flareup at a Time

  • Home
  • About The Chronicles
  • Blog
  • In the Media
  • IBDMoms
  • IBD Events
  • Contact Me
    • Privacy Policy
The Crazy Creole Mommy Chronicles
The Crazy Creole Mommy Chronicles

Tackling Mommyhood One Tantrum & Flareup at a Time

Some Heroes Wear Colostomy Bags

Posted on July 3, 2014July 3, 2014 By Brooke Abbott

Whether you are apart of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease community or not, by now you’ve probably heard of Bethany Townsend, the former model who bared her two colostomy bags at the encouragement of her husband while on vacation. Her picture came across my timeline from The Colitis & Crohn’s UK page and I literally yelled out, “Go ‘head Girl!!” and clapped vigorously!

I was happy for her and proud of her. I was scared for her and relieved for her. I was shedding a tear for her, and I’ve never even spoken to this woman. I don’t even follow her on twitter. I’ve just been where she’s at, and yet…not at all, because she has a courage that I haven’t even found in myself yet. But, now I have no excuse not to.

My life with a colostomy was filled with anguish, fear and and pure sadness. I was ashamed, in pain and confused. My son had absolutely no problem with my “boo boo” as he called it. But I did. I thought I was hideous and felt very alone. Now, realistically I know that I wasn’t alone, but being the only one in my family at that time with a colostomy bag, I felt very alone. Had I seen Bethany’s photo two years ago, I might have been a little more comfortable with myself. I might have gone on a few more dates or played outdoors with my son without worrying if anyone was gonna see the bulge behind my shirt. Bethany, just changed the game for a lot of young girls!

Her story is beyond extraordinary  and inspiring. You wanna talk about a fighter and healer. Ms. Townsend should be celebrated for her bravery and perseverance to just not let Crohn’s take her and consume her. People like her are that beacon of hope you seek out when you are first diagnosed and the people you listen to on the days you aren’t sure you can make it through. They say a single picture is worth a thousand words. Ms. Townsend’s photo might have saved a thousands lives as it went viral and has brought an international spotlight to our diseases highlighted by People Magazine and ABC news.

To Ms. Townsend, thank you. Thank you for being so brave. Thank you for lending your voice. Thank you for being an inspiration to so many young people who are too scared to bare their bellies. Thank you for baring your soul. I don’t even know, but I absolutely love you! I am so grateful for you! You are my Hero!

Via People Magazine
Via People Magazine
Blog Crohn's & Colitis Mommy Advice Autoimmune DiseaseBethany TownsendBrooke AbbottcolitisColostomy BagCrazy Creole Mommy ChroniclesCrohn'sCrohn's & Colitis UKeducationGood Morning AmericaHealthIBDloveMommy with Autoimmune Diseasemoms with ileostomy bagsPeople Magazinesingle mom with ileostomy bagsUlcerative ColitisUnited Kingdom

Post navigation

Previous post
Next post

Related Posts

The Doc Is In!!

Posted on October 14, 2013

A couple of weeks ago the angry bitter cyclops, also known as The Hippo, Jaxosaurus, Jig Master Jax, Jaxxy Boy, Jaxomus, Jiggidy, Jax, Jaxon Lee Coltrane, Coltrane Cutt, and just…Jaxon was staring me down with his good eye daring me to say something to him. You see by this time…

Read More

Still Time To Give For 2012

Posted on December 28, 2012

The holiday seasons are all about sharing, community, love and giving! The year is almost at a close and some of you are looking for last minute tax write-offs for 2012. Well I have some of my favorite charities here for you to visit and give to. All of them…

Read More

Giveaway Alert!!

Posted on June 4, 2014

This saturday Club MomMe Spring Fest in Huntington Beach! With Jenni Pulos performing a rap concert for the kids, Dr. Harvey Karp  speaking and Happy Family providing snacks, It’s going to be a good time for the family in beautiful Huntington Beach. Come enjoy the day with Club MomMe! The…

Read More

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Forty, The Year Of The Pivot
  • Last Year in my 3rd Decade
  • Some Unicorns Have IBD
  • Just Brooke. Just Mom. Just Crazy Creole Mommy.
  • A New Adventure Awaits

Studying Abroad GoFundMe

Donate to IBDMoms

©2023 The Crazy Creole Mommy Chronicles | WordPress Theme by SuperbThemes