August 27th 2024.
Amy Dowden, the 34-year-old star of Strictly Come Dancing, has opened up about her experiences living with Crohn's disease. This chronic condition, which she was diagnosed with as a child, is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, and fatigue. Despite the challenges she has faced, Amy has remained determined and resilient in the face of this condition.
In a recent interview with Prima, Amy shared her frustrations about the lack of conversation and awareness surrounding Crohn's disease. She said, "There's a stigma - people don't want to talk about poo and guts." Amy has been living with this condition for years, but she believes that because it is not a visible illness, people often overlook it. She hopes to change this by speaking openly about her experiences and raising awareness.
In addition to living with Crohn's, Amy was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. However, she received the all-clear in February and is now returning to Strictly. During her chemotherapy treatment, she kept fans updated on her health and shared her story in the BBC documentary Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me. In the documentary, she bravely discussed her fertility struggles, sepsis, and losing her hair.
Despite her cancer diagnosis, Amy has not let it overshadow her lifelong battle with Crohn's. She says, "My cancer experience has helped me not to stress about my Crohn's, as that had to take a backseat. Now, I think: 'If it took a backseat then, it can take a backseat for ever.'" Her strength and resilience are truly inspiring.
In her book, Strictly Amy: Crohn's and Me, Amy delves deeper into her journey with both Crohn's and cancer. She also reflects on how these chronic illnesses have impacted her life and her sense of purpose. She says, "When you suffer from a chronic illness or cancer, there's a weird sense that the world is spinning without you. Your normality is taken away and you lose a sense of purpose." Writing the book gave her a sense of purpose during a difficult and lonely time.
Amy's story is an important reminder of the challenges and struggles that those living with chronic illnesses face. She hopes to raise awareness and encourage others to speak openly about their experiences. In 2021, she fronted the BBC documentary Strictly Amy: Crohn's and Me, where she discussed her illness and encouraged others to do the same. She also became an ambassador for the charity Crohn's & Colitis UK and was awarded an MBE for her services to the inflammatory bowel disease community.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can provide support and information. You can contact their helpline or visit their website for more information. As for Amy, she continues to inspire others with her courage and resilience, and we look forward to seeing her back on the Strictly dance floor.
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