The short of it...
I was diagnosed with perianal Crohn's in 2023 in the middle of my professional pickleball career.
Since then: five colorectal surgeries, a temporary colostomy in February 2025, and a complete proctectomy in January 2026.
Now I have a permanent colostomy, no rectum, no anus.
Two weeks after the proctectomy an artery got severed during a routine procedure and I needed an emergency angiogram to stop the bleeding.
I documented all of it as it happened.
30 million views in the first 30 days.
What I don't usually lead with is the rest of it.
Four years of pain, the surgeries that didn't work, the fear, what it did to relationships, who I had to become once my body changed.
The illness is what people see.
What I actually share is around everything it touches in my life.
I have Crohn's and a permanent ostomy, and I talk about the challenges and the joys that come with it.
Work with Rob
Speaking & Media
I speak with brands, podcasts, media teams, healthcare organizations, athletic groups, and patient communities about chronic illness, ostomy life, recovery, performance, stress, and the cost of trying to do too much.
The story is specific. The lesson is broad.
For interview and speaking inquiries, reach out below.
What's Happened
One of the only pro athletes competing with a permanent ostomy
19 Professional Titles
Professional pickleball player with 19 titles, a former #1 ranking and on the first Major League Pickleball championship team.
Crohn's & Ostomy
Crohn’s disease, a colostomy in 2025, and a complete proctectomy in 2026. Now living and competing with a permanent ostomy.
Flexara Health
Founder of Flexara Health, building products from lived experience with Crohn’s, an ostomy, travel, heat, and recovery.
