"I had to get an ostomy bag at 18" | A story of faith and healing

Carleigh was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at a young age and learned to manage the symptoms through medication. But in high school, her health began to unravel, threatening everything she had built—her athletic career, her education, and the identity she had anchored her worth to. As her body failed her, Carleigh was forced to confront a deeper question: "Who am I when everything I rely on is taken away?" This is a story about suffering, surrender, and discovering true value beyond performance or appearance. If you’ve ever wrestled with self-image, identity, or pain that doesn’t make sense, this story is for you.