Source: Melodie Narain-Blackwell / Color of Crohn’s & Chronic Illness, Inc.
December 1st -7th is Crohn’s and Collitis Awareness Week. Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation of your digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. The inflammation is caused by Crohn’s Disease.
Cheryl Jackson talks with Melodie Narain-Blackwell, founder of Color of Crohn’s & Chronic Illness, Inc., (COCCI) about her journey and her passion to inform the African American Community about Crohn’s Disease. In our interview, Melodie shares her journey to diagnosis, symptoms of Crohn’s, treatment and cures and the difference between, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Through her experience, Melodie launched Color of Crohn’s & Chronic Illness, Inc. Find out more about COCCI and how you can support at https://www.cocci.org/support-us
About Melodie Narain-Blackwell:
Melodie Narain-Blackwell is a serial entrepreneur and health advocate, who has always been passionate about supporting others and encouraging them to dig deep to pursue their purpose. Her belief in God has been the source of her drive and inspiration. As a multi-ethnic woman of faith, she has built businesses that represent all of the parts of who she is. Though she has been a part-time entrepreneur for more than 15 years, Melodie began her full-time entrepreneurial journey in 2018 after she was laid off from her full-time job. Unapologetically, she took a leap, putting her full trust in God, completely believing that he would provide for her as she pursued her dreams and purpose.
Concurrent with her lay-off and leap of faith, Melodie was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, which has been an arduous ongoing battle for her life. Facing this health challenge head-on, led her to become a passionate health advocate for people of color who battle chronic illnesses. She launched Color of Crohn’s and Chronic Illness, Inc (COCCI) in September 2019; a nonprofit that has the mission to advance the quality of life of minorities that are facing gastrointestinal and other debilitating illnesses.
Community Affairs: Crohn’s Disease in The African American Community With Melodie Narain-Blackwell was originally published on praisedc.com
