At the age of 19, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon. The diagnosis came after weeks of experiencing symptoms that had upended my otherwise normal teenage life and left me hospitalized. At the time, I was disheartened to be told that this condition was incurable and would require lifelong management with medications.

For the next decade, as expected, I experienced numerous flare-ups of varying severity, each one impacting my life in significant ways. The worst of these flares occurred in 2010, a year after the birth of my child. This flare quickly became extremely severe, and I soon found myself in and out of the hospital for weeks at a time, my body withering away as conventional treatments failed to control my symptoms. It was a terrifying time, filled with moments of absolute hopelessness and despair and the growing fear that my child might have to grow up without a mother.

After many months of desperate struggle, I finally began to recover with the help of potent immunosuppressive biologic drugs. While I was grateful to these drugs for pulling me back from the brink and finally getting me back into remission, I knew that relying on these medications long-term was not the answer. It felt like using a bucket to catch water from a leaky roof without trying to fix the roof itself. How long would the medications work? What would happen when they stopped working? I was already experiencing very concerning side effects, so what additional and potentially devastating side effects would be the result of using such powerful drugs indefinitely? 

I had a growing feeling deep down inside that there HAD to be a better way, and that a life chained to risky medications did not have to be my destiny. That growing feeling nudged me to start believing that it was time for me to take my health, and my life, BACK, by seeking out the inner wisdom and guidance that I knew was waiting for me.

And so, on a wing and a prayer, I made the life-changing decision to come off of the immunosuppressant drugs and find a way to tap into the body's innate healing power, to heal my body naturally and then hopefully, to remain healthy.

This marked the beginning of my journey of natural healing. I fully immersed myself in researching anything that I could get my hands on related to natural healing from autoimmune disease, learning about the power of nourishing nutrition, comprehensive lifestyle changes, and taking a holistic approach to health. I discovered that the foods we eat and the choices we make every day have a profound impact on our well-being.

With unwavering determination, I implemented what I learned, radically transforming my diet and lifestyle. I embraced nutrient-dense, organic, whole foods, while eliminating processed and inflammatory foods. I incorporated regular exercise, stress-management techniques, and prioritized sleep and self-care. I sought help from a naturopathic doctor and a therapist. I started paying attention to the parts of myself that had long been neglected. I came to understand that true healing extends far beyond the physical; it necessitates a transformative, holistic journey of mental, emotional, and spiritual healing too.

The results have been nothing short of remarkable, even miraculous. Not only did I successfully come off all medications without flaring again, but I have now been free of any Ulcerative Colitis flares since the beginning of 2011, and medication-free since the end of 2011. My body has healed, my colonoscopies continuously show no signs of active disease, and in my 40’s I am stronger, more fit, and healthier than I’ve ever been.

(You can listen to the extended, detail-full version of my autoimmune experience in my podcast episode "My Autoimmune Story: From Barely Surviving to Truly Thriving" here, or read more about it in my very first blog post here.)

This journey has taught me that true healing goes way beyond just managing symptoms; it requires a commitment to examining every single area of our lives. It requires nourishing not just our bodies, but our minds and spirits as well. It has also shown me the incredible resilience and wisdom that is within each of us, and the great power we have been given to transform our health when we align ourselves with nature's principles.

Deeply humbled and inspired by my own transformation, I now have the honor and the privilege of making it my life's work to share the knowledge and insights I've gained with others who are struggling with autoimmune disease or other chronic illness. I am truly grateful to be able to give back a part of what's been given to me by bringing guidance, encouragement, and most importantly, hope to those who are suffering.

Today, I am passionate about sharing my story and the knowledge I've gained throughout my journey, in the hopes of inspiring others to pursue their own healing path. Whether you are facing an autoimmune condition or other chronic illness or simply seeking to optimize your health, know that remarkable transformations are possible when you embrace the power of natural healing.

My goal is to provide education, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your own health journey. In addition to my personal experiences, acquiring my holistic nutrition coaching certification has further equipped me with the knowledge and tools to better guide and support others on their own healing journeys. I offer my insights, both the challenges and the triumphs, to empower you on your path to vibrant health.

I'd be honored to have you check out my podcast, Heal and Stay Healed with Kelly B Haney, as well as the other free resources provided on this website. For more information, reach out to me via the "Let's Connect" button at the top of the site. Whether you're inquiring about coaching, speaking engagements, events, or just need a sympathetic listening ear, I'm here to help.

Remember, no matter where you are in your journey, there is always hope. The body has an innate ability and an incredible capacity to heal when given the right conditions and support. By honoring your unique needs and embracing the principles of natural healing, I truly believe that you too can experience the profound transformation that I have been so fortunate to achieve.

Let’s heal and stay healed — together!

Kelly