A powerful and moving story about a beautiful girl, who despite a tough uphill battle has managed to fight her way back, she tries to see opportunities where the rest of us only see obstacles.
Model with bag on her stomach, - So what?
Ingrid Anette Hoff Melkersen has been on a long, tough and exhausting journey - physically and mentally, it’s the journey back she will tell us about. How it is possible to turn the patient-victim role and to be a role model.
An open, honest, beautiful and genuine person, sparkling with determination, will-power and goodness, Ingrid was diagnosed with Morbus Crohn, when she was 15 years old and a talented athlete. She has been through about 30 surgeries, countless hospital days and unspeakable distress before, during and after.
She was given the choice between the life of colostomy - bag on your stomach - and no life, With three beautiful children and her great love she has battled her way through the hard times and come out very resourceful at the other end of the tunnel.
Ingrid has chosen to be open about that she has the stomach pouch. On the way she has become a pioneer - one that breaks taboos on behalf of so many, through her lectures she gives others in similar situations courage to tackle brutal upheavals in life.
Ingrid has traveled around with her history (Norway, Denmark, Germany, Austria, USA), leaving no one sitting untouched behind. Trough this she has opened up for patients with similar problems. She has also had several speeches at hospitals where she has addressed many of the problems the health care in many hospitals faces with patients like her. Her lectures have been demanded in several parts of the world.
In addition to lecturing, Ingrid is productive in many other areas. She works as a model and is getting more and more bookings. She has designed her own jewelry, the “Ingrid bracelet” Click on the image to visit the “So What” Facebook Page and treat yourself knowing you are supporting a good cause.
It has been very much in demand even without any particular marketing. 10% of the purchase price is donated to Gastro- Division at St. Olav’s Hospital in Trondheim. This money will be earmarked further education to the nurses working there.
Ingrid’s story is a story of turning taboo’s and shame to a strength which can be used to change the world for at least one person you meet on your way.
NO ONE SEES…
- NO ONE sees you when you’re lying huddled on the floor, twisting to be able to endure the pain.
- NO ONE sees you when spend half the day on the toilet. Blood, mucus and feces thin as water. It etches and causes large wounds. Wounds caused by wiping your behind. If you could you`d rather choose to shower, but have no strength to stand.
- NO ONE sees you when you don`t dare to eat food before heading out the door, because you’re afraid the distance to the nearest toilet is too long.
- NO ONE sees you when the pain takes over and you pass out from exhaustion.
- NO ONE sees you when your gut is full of inflammation and you’re bleeding from small wounds in the intestinal wall.
- NO ONE sees you when your friends are at a party and you are asleep at home, Exhausted after several admissions at the hospital being in a poor general condition, fighting a silent battle against the disease. It feels really unfair.
- NO ONE sees you when friends fail - family don’t understand.
- NO ONE sees you when emotions break you down and medicines ravage trough your body.
- NO ONE sees you…
–Ingrid Anette Hoff Melkersen-
-make a difference-
You can get to know me better trough my Blog: www.ingridanette.com and watch the teaser video below.
