DraZtik's Gabriela Cruz Dances Despite A Serious Disease

Making it to the stage of ABDC is no small feat, but to do it while battling a potentially fatal disease is downright awe-inspiring. DraZtik's Gabriela Cruz was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease which involves chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, when she was 14 years old. Now 18, she's learned to live with the condition and not let it control her life, or her aspirations to become a successful dancer.

"It's really painful to digest certain foods, so my diet is not the healthiest since I can't eat lettuce, peanuts and certain other healthier foods," Gabby told us yesterday. "I basically eat greasy foods like burgers and fries."

"When I first found out I had Crohn's disease, I kept it on the low because I didn't know how people would react if they knew -- thinking that maybe they'd think it was contagious or something," she admitted. "But my crew knows I have it and if I feel tired or sick, they understand that I have to step back and rest. They're really supportive."

Dancing since she was 2, Gabby wants other children who are struggling with Crohn's to know that "You can do whatever you want, being sick doesn't [have to] stop you. Take your medicine, try to stay healthy and it shouldn't slow you down." Amen!

To learn more about Crohn's Disease, visit LivingWithCrohnsDisease.com or talk with your doctor.

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Tags Crohn's Disease, DraZtik, Gabbriela Cruz