Natalie Hayden

Formerly a news anchor and reporter, Natalie Hayden was first diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in July 2005, two months after graduating with a journalism degree. She didn’t allow her disease to rob her of all she had worked towards, so she began her career three months after diagnosis. When Natalie left the news desk in 2014, she decided it was time to share her patient journey publicly in order to be the voice she desperately needed to hear upon diagnosis. Through her award-winning blog, Lights, Camera, Crohn’s, she shares stories and experiences every Monday about everything from overcoming struggles to celebrating small victories. As an IBD mom of three, she’s passionate about helping women with IBD navigate everything from the family planning process, to pregnancy, and motherhood. 

Along with her blog, Natalie is on the Advisory Board for IBD Moms, a member of Janssen’s Patient Engagement Research Council, and an active participant of IBD Social Circle. She’s a writer and contributor for many digital healthcare sites and enjoys being a volunteer and spokesperson for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and the American Gastroenterological Association.