Claudia was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at age 10 and became involved in IBD research and served as a patient partner in 2019. Inspired by this role and her personal encounter with IBD, she co-founded the Young Adult Community for Crohn’s and Colitis (YACCC) to assist young adults with IBD during their transition to adulthood with a chronic illness. Claudia, now a medical student, aims to continue advocating for patients and sharing her knowledge with learners. Her aspiration is to prioritize patient-centered care and be a strong advocate for her patients as a physician. Claudia’s journey exemplifies the power of personal experiences, fueling her dedication to improving the lives of those affected by chronic illness.