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SA CHAMPION
Krystal Miller (she/her)
LIVED EXPERIENCE
Chronic Illness, Gastroenterology, Stoma care, Pain Management, Maternity
KEY INFORMATION
Place of Birth: Mt Gambier, South Australia
Current location: Port Lincoln, South Australia, Australia
Age: 38 years old
Language/s: English only
LGBTQIA+: Yes
NDIS Participant: No
Diagnoses: Crohn's disease, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Scoliosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, PTSD, ADHD
Healthcare Access: Primary Health Care, Mental Health, Allied Health, Secondary and Tertiary care
BIO
At 14 years old, Krystal was diagnosed with Crohn's disease which caused progressive deterioration until she had life-saving surgery at 21 years old to create an ileostomy (stoma). Krystal was then faced with great uncertainty - she was told she would never be able to have children, or find love and acceptance in society with a stoma - a stigma she has been fighting to change since. Now as a mother of three, highly sought-after keynote speaker and the face of her worldwide blog 'Bag Lady Mama' launched in 2016, Krystal is leading the way to transform the way ostomys are perceived by society and improve health services provided to fellow ostomates. Still in and out of hospital, and navigating motherhood alongside other chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia, arthritis and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Krystal is determined to create positive change in healthcare and society as a whole, using her lived experience and social platform (combined following across platforms of 48.5K). Through her experiences of maternity care with her three children, Krystal wishes to create more resources and support for those who are pregnant and have an ostomy.
ACHIEVEMENTS
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Launched worldwide blog 'Bag Lady Mama' in 2016
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2017 Keynote Speaker for Hartmanns in Amsterdam
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Keynote Speaker for 'Bowel of the Ball' in Newcastle, Australia
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Featured in media - print, screen and podcasts - worldwide
LINKS
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Mom’s Semi-Nude Photos Spread Important Message About Crohn’s Disease - The Mighty
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Why Krystal Miller hasn't let wearing an ileostomy bag change her life, or her amazing sense of style - Mamamia Feature
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‘I was told no one would ever love me’ - 7 News Australia Feature
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"We shouldn't be hiding." - Cosmopolitan
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Krystal Miller Feature - Refinery 29
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Krystal Miller is a woman championing self-love - 9 Honey Feature
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Krystal Miller Feature - Independent UK
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