What started out as just a photo on Facebook, quickly became a viral sensation for Bethany Townsend.

The aspiring model suffers from Crohn's disease — a condition that causes chronic inflammation in one's digestive tract — and has to carry around a colostomy bag, which collects her stool.

She got tired of hiding it, so she decided to pose in a black bikini alongside it and shared the image on Facebook.

That picture now has more than 205,000 likes and more than 16,500 shares.
The brunette beauty did it to show others with the same condition don't have to be embarrassed about their sickness.

Deal of the Day Blue Bathing suit 4-7-24

Deal of the Day

This ‘Slimming’ Suit is Just $16 Today! View Deal
Post by Crohn's and Colitis UK.

In her post on the Facebook page for Crohn's and Colitis UK, a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of those suffering with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), she explains she was diagnosed at age 3 and had 16 inches of her bowel removed. She's been on several medications and was even tube fed for four years before having a stem cell transplant.

"Finally after three and a half years, I decided that my colostomy bags shouldn't control my life," the Worcester, England native said. "So when I went to Mexico with my husband in December last year I finaly showed I wasn't ashamed. Still hoping for a cure…"

Townsend was overwhelmed with the Facebook support she received, and told the Daily Mail, "If I can inspire or help other people in my position to feel a little more comfortable in their own skin, then I'm really happy."