Facing Forward Stories shares real stories from parents and parents-to-be living with chronic illness and disability—highlighting both shared experiences and unique journeys. Through these voices, we offer connection, representation, and encouragement, reminding readers they’re not alone and that there’s no single way to keep facing forward. Amber is a writer, advocate, and mother of two from Connecticut living with ulcerative colitis and IBD. In this interview, she shares the realities of raising children while navigating chronic illness—from adapting family routines around fluctuating energy levels to finding practical ways to balance parenting, work, and self-care. Through it all, Amber’s story is…
Author: Amber Tresca
Amber Tresca
Amber Tresca was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 16. After 10 years of active disease, medical therapy failed and she underwent the 2 step j-pouch surgery (removal of the large intestine and creation of an internal pouch from the last part of the small intestine). After her gastroenterologist found severe dysplasia in her colon, Amber realized how little she knew about the disease, and how dangerous that was to her health. She hopes to raise awareness of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and other digestive conditions, as well as reach out to patients like herself who are in need of news and accurate information.
Stigma is a common problem for people who live with chronic illnesses. People who have ileostomy or colostomy surgery to treat inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), face a number of myths and misconceptions. Some of these can be hurtful and damaging, which is why ostomy advocacy is so important and impactful. An ostomy is when an artificial opening is made in the abdomen for waste to leave the body. A small piece of intestine is brought through the abdomen wall, which is called a stoma. An appliance is worn over the stoma to collect stool (poop) as…