What if the part of your body you hated most ended up saving your life? In this raw, hilarious, and deeply personal TEDx talk, Francesca Ritter introduces us to Wilbur—her life-saving ileostomy bag. From enduring severe Crohn’s disease to navigating the world of dating with a medical device strapped to her stomach, Francesca dismantles taboos, embraces humor, and finds joy in the unlikeliest of places.
With sharp wit and stunning vulnerability, she invites us to see resilience not as perfection, but as messy, human, and often hilarious. This talk isn’t just about guts—it’s about courage, love, and radical self-acceptance.
Frankie is an IT specialist and numbers whiz with a passion for sports and comedy. Frankie is also an advocate for those with invisible disabilities. After undergoing surgery for severe Crohn’s disease in 2015, she now lives with a permanent ileostomy and uses her experience to raise awareness and support others. Frankie blends her love for logic, sports, and comedy, bringing energy and authenticity to everything she does. She is a 2020 graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Mathematics.
