How Bethany Townsend's Brave Picture Inspired Others With Crohn's Disease

Bethany Townsend, who suffers from the debilitating Crohn's Disease, has become an inspiration and Internet sensation overnight. She dared to post a bikini-clad picture of herself with a colostomy bag - a move that has since inspired countless individuals across the world to share their own stories.

The picture, posted on Facebook by Crohn's and Colitis UK, shows the makeup artist lounging in the sun on a holiday but says much more. Here's a woman who does not want her life to be defined or controlled by her illness.

The post lets us in on Bethany's inspiring story.



Encouraged and inspired by her story, more people suffering from the illness are sharing their pictures with colostomy bags.



And many have followed suit...

Camilla Franzen Nordstrom writes on Crohn's and Colitis UK -

This is a picture of me from a few years back. Please do share this to raise awareness of IBD, ostomy, and acceptance.
I was diagnosed when I was 18 years old with Ulcerative colitis. I had my first surgery when I was 21 and got an ostomy bag. I had surgery 3 times. I'm soon to be 27 years old and I'm not sure I would have made it without this bag.

Blake Beckford writes on Crohn's and Colitis UK -

Great to see so much awareness for #IBD I too am fighting the stigma of having #UlcerativeColitis and #Ostomy #FightWithBlake Together we can raise awareness and show we can achieve anything ...

Nikki Connekll writes on Crohn's and Colitis UK -

Had crohns for 2 and a half years. Had an ileostomy then reversal now have a permanent one.

Laura Capewell writes on Crohn's and Colitis UK

So proud of all the publicity Crohn's and colitis and ostomists are receiving ! It's about time awareness was made ! I don't care If people r sick of seeing / hearing about it! We have suffered in silence and been hiding behind this horrible condition for long enough!! Proud to be apart of it! Get ur belly out people!!!!

And even more...

Beka Zwirtz writes on Crohn's and Colitis UK -

Wow!! I've had Crohn's since I was 13yrs old, and ileostomy on my right side since I was 17yrs old. I always hid my bag inside swim suit or swim shorts but never once thought about showing it like this model does... Maybe I will now!!!

Photo Courtesy: All these images were posted on Facebook on @Crohn's and Colitis UK