Jose T- From Boxing Dreams To IBD Advocacy Bowel Moments podcast

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Jose T- From Boxing Dreams To IBD Advocacy

12d ago 49:17

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A boxer in training. A terrifying spiral of symptoms. A life-saving surgery that changed everything. Jose Torres joins us to share how ulcerative colitis pulled him out of the ring and propelled him into purpose—building community, advancing equity, and living well with a J‑pouch in a city that isn’t designed for urgent needs.
We trace Jose’s path from misdiagnosis in Brooklyn to specialized care in Manhattan and the brutal logistics of public transit without bathrooms. He opens up about the cultural currents in his Mexican and Puerto Rican family—why speaking up took time, why steroids raised tough questions, and how food traditions collided with new IBD realities. The story turns on resilience: a colectomy and J‑pouch, early pouchitis, iron infusions, and then a decade of medication-free stability supported by smart nutrition, consistent exercise, and honest attention to mental health.
Jose also brings us inside the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation—from literally ringing the office doorbell to roles in advancement, business development, and DEI leadership. We talk about real lived experience, research into disparities, and why culturally fluent care changes outcomes. Along the way, he shares practical tactics for managing frequency, a nudge toward pelvic floor physical therapy, and a grounded philosophy: don’t chase perfection, cultivate accountability and hope.
If stories of grit, culture, and community help you feel less alone with IBD, this one’s for you. Cheers!

Links:

Camp Oasis- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation USA
Camp Purple- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation New Zealand
About IBD podcast with Amber Tresca episode- "IBD in the Hispanic Community with Dr. Oriana Damas"

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Chapters

1. Meet Jose Torres (00:00:00)

2. Drinks, Travel, And Warm-Up Banter (00:01:02)

3. Early Symptoms And Boxing Halt (00:02:54)

4. Misdiagnosis To UC And Remicade (00:05:08)

5. Emergency Colectomy And J‑Pouch (00:07:12)

6. Finding The Foundation By Knocking (00:09:25)

7. Culture, Family, And Care Barriers (00:11:20)

8. New York Transit And No Bathrooms (00:14:05)

9. DEI Work And Real Conversations (00:16:00)

10. Career Pivot From Finance To Mission (00:18:20)

11. Camp Oasis And Nonprofit Growth (00:22:10)

12. Consulting, Return, And Business Development (00:25:10)

13. Living With A J‑Pouch Day To Day (00:28:05)

14. Diet, Exercise, And Mental Health (00:31:10)

15. Nighttime Frequency And Pelvic Floor PT (00:34:00)

16. Owning Hope Without Jinxing It (00:36:55)

17. Why Boxing And What It Gave Back (00:39:30)

18. Respect For The Sport And Moving On (00:43:00)

19. Final Takeaway: Accountability And Hope (00:45:10)

20. Sailors, Superstitions, And Sign-Off (00:48:30)

147 episodes

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