ST. PETERSBURG – Seeing Stephanie A. Wynn in public as she advocates and educates for health and wellness it isn’t obvious to the eye that she has been dealing with a life-threatening illness for several years. 
But her passion to help those dealing with Crohn’s disease and other debilitating health crises led her to create her foundation, and she’s become a vocal spokesperson for improving the systems we rely on for better treatment and outcomes.
We talked to Stephanie about her work as she prepares for the 3rd Annual Let’s Talk IBD Health & Wellness Symposium, which will take place on March 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 at the University Student Center on the USF St. Petersburg campus, 200 6th Avenue South in St. Petersburg.
This year’s theme, Opportunity: Bridging Gaps in Health Equity, will feature keynote speakers Dr. Jasmine Cohen-Young (Mindz Matter Founder) and Dr. Jennifer Seminerio-Diehl (Director of Gastroenterology- Advent Health), along with the empowering You’re Not Alone panel.
Tickets can be purchased at https://thestephanieawynnfoundation.org. Both in-person and virtual ticket options will be available.
Stephanie shared her work and journey with TWC, in her own words.
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My journey with Crohn’s disease began in 2017, at the age of 41. Two family members had also been diagnosed with similar conditions, but I never connected their symptoms to mine. IBD often presents differently in Black and Brown communities, making my experience isolating and confusing. It wasn’t just a battle with the disease but also a fight against the unknown. Over time, I’ve learned the critical importance of building a network of support so others navigating similar challenges don’t feel as alone as I once did.
Before my diagnosis, I endured devastating symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, persistent digestive issues, and debilitating fatigue. I also experienced two stillbirths in 2010 and 2011, a trauma that compounded my struggles. I went through six different doctors over nearly two years before finally being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease during a life-threatening health crisis. The delay in diagnosis not only risked my life but also exposed severe gaps in the timely care patients deserve.
Navigating the healthcare system as a Black woman taught me that implicit bias and systemic disparities can significantly impact the quality of care. My symptoms were often dismissed, and my concerns went unheard, delaying critical treatments. These experiences fueled my passion for advocating for equitable healthcare, particularly for marginalized communities, and underscored the urgent need to amplify the voices of those often overlooked.
My near-death experience with Crohn’s disease was a turning point. I couldn’t let others endure the same isolation, confusion, and barriers that I faced. This inspired me to establish the Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation to provide education, advocacy, and resources to underserved IBD patients.
Additionally, I realized there was no clear roadmap for navigating life with IBD, leaving many patients feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. This led me to write Navigating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A Six-Week Blueprint for Better Gut Health, which will be published on March 16, 2025. The blueprint offers practical guidance to empower patients to take control of their health, build resilience, and find hope. Both the foundation and the book are integral to my mission of bridging health equity gaps and ensuring no one fights this battle alone, especially in Black and marginalized communities.
The Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about IBD and supporting underserved communities. Through initiatives like the IBD Patient Navigator® Program and events like the Let’s Talk IBD Health & Wellness Symposium, we provide critical resources, education, and advocacy. We also partner with healthcare providers and organizations to address disparities and create equitable solutions for patients.
I’ve been privileged to partner with organizations like Mindz Matter, Advent Health, Moffitt Cancer Center, and Florida Blue, local healthcare providers, and IBD Survivors to amplify our efforts. Together, we’ve raised awareness, provided practical solutions, and empowered communities to improve patient outcomes.
Living with Crohn’s is a daily balancing act, requiring constant management of symptoms and a commitment to self-care. While there are challenging days, I’ve learned the value of resilience, stress management, and building a quality healthcare team. My life now is about turning pain into purpose—helping others navigate their journeys while advocating for change. It’s a life of gratitude, determination, and making an impact.
Getting involved starts with education—learning about the condition and its impact. You can volunteer with advocacy organizations, join awareness campaigns, or use social media to amplify stories. Supporting foundations like ours through donations or attending events such as the Let’s Talk IBD Symposium are also powerful ways to make a difference.
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Thank you, Stephanie, for sharing your health journey and being an educator and advocate!
For more information visit:
● Website: thestephanieawynnfoundation.org
● Email: hello@thestephanieawynnfoundation.org
Follow her on Social Media
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieawynn
● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/THESAWFOUNDATIONINC
● YouTube: Watch my journey and resources: https://www.youtube.com/@sawfoundation