People with chronic illness are innovative. We have to be, because even though we have limited resources available to us, we’re often expected to achieve at the same level as people who are healthy.
In Episode 172 of About IBD, I talk to Rachel Bee. Rachel was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 13. She successfully navigates the challenges of living with IBD while also becoming an entrepreneur. She founded Infusion Hero, a business dedicated to creating specialized hoodies for young patients undergoing infusions.
This blog post outlines some insights from Rachel, including valuable advice and inspiration for budding entrepreneurs.
Rachel’s Journey with Crohn’s Disease
Rachel vividly recalls the beginning of her journey with Crohn’s disease. It began with overwhelming nausea and pain. She was an active and athletic teenager who found herself unable to participate in the activities she loved. After months of symptoms, she and her family sought medical help, which led to a diagnosis of severe Crohn’s disease.
Like many other patients, Rachel began treatment with infusions. She realized that there was a lack of comfortable, functional clothing for young patients receiving infusions. Rachel sketched her ideas and worked with local companies to bring her vision to life under the brand Infusion Hero.
Rachel points out how finding a balance between health and running a business is challenging. Rachel prioritizes her commitments, ensuring that Infusion Hero remains her top focus while making time for friends and self-care.
Rachel’s story is a perfect example of resilience in the patient community and the reasons why disabled people are excellent entrepreneurs, employees, and out-of-the-box thinkers.
Find Rachel Bee of Infusion Hero at:
- Web: https://www.infusionhero.com/
- LinkedIn: Rachel Bee
- Facebook: Infusion Hero
- Instagram: @infusion_hero
- Tik Tok: @infusion.hero
Tips From Rachel on Finding Balance
Prioritizing Health
Managing a chronic illness requires paying attention to symptoms and keeping up with self-care. Taking breaks and caring for the body’s needs is not negotiable. Being on top of health issues is essential for making long-term plans for both business and personal life.
Seeking Support
Rachel looked for resources such as mentorship programs, business clubs, and supportive teachers. Working with these different people helped her in making her way through the challenges of entrepreneurship. Understanding that other people want to help and that they have valuable insights to share helps in making the best possible product.
Staying Organized
Balancing multiple commitments requires strong organizational skills. Using calendars and prioritizing tasks helps maintain a healthy balance. Blocking out time takes away some of the overwhelm that can happen when starting a project or moving between tasks.
Innovating from Experience
People with chronic illness can look to their personal challenges for inspiration on crafting solutions. Identifying gaps in the market and creating products that address specific needs is helpful when starting a journey of entrepreneurship.
Building a Community
Sharing experiences and connecting with others in the chronic illness and IBD communities provides support and encouragement. Asking for and taking in feedback is a great way to grow as a person and in business.
Conclusion
Through her business, Infusion Hero, Rachel is not only creating functional clothing for young patients but also creating community. Rachel’s story is a reminder of the resilience and creativity in the IBD community, and how we can pursue our passions while prioritizing our health.