MY STORY

In October 2023, I went to urgent care for a lingering cough I couldn’t shake. I thought I just needed something simple—maybe a stronger inhaler or allergy meds. But that visit ended up starting a journey I never expected.

I was referred to a gastroenterologist after being told I might have acid reflux. When I finally got to my GI appointment, the nurse practitioner reviewed my chart and saw my history of chronic asthma. She dismissed my concerns and chalked the cough up to my lungs—not my stomach. Still, she offered an endoscopy, though it felt like she didn’t think it was necessary.

Part of me wanted to cancel the procedure. I felt like I was overreacting. But something deep down told me not to ignore the feeling. I decided to follow through with the endoscopy—just in case.

That decision likely saved my life.

My results showed precancerous changes in my stomach lining. If I had ignored that feeling or accepted being dismissed, I may never have known. My doctor told me that within a few years, this could have developed into stomach cancer.

I was stunned. I was young, active, and outwardly healthy. But most stomach cancers aren’t caught until it’s too late—because the symptoms are so easy to overlook or explain away.

That moment shifted everything for me.

I created Trust Your Gut because I want others—especially young people, especially women, and especially Latinx communities—to know that your instincts are worth listening to. I want you to feel confident asking questions, pushing for answers, and getting the tests that could save your life.

We live in a world where too many people are dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told to "wait and see." And for communities like mine, the risks are even higher due to disparities in access and cultural bias in healthcare.

This platform is my way of fighting back—with education, awareness, and advocacy. If my story helps even one person speak up for their health, it’s worth it.

You know your body better than anyone.
So please—trust your gut.