When it comes to the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the groundbreaking power of nutrition, few stories are as inspiring as that of Jessica Roman and her daughter, Riley. Jessica, a health coach and founder of the Christian Health Collective, has witnessed a transformation in her daughter’s life that can only be described as miraculous.
The Diagnosis: A Rare and Challenging Condition
Riley was born with a rare genetic condition known as Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome (MMIHS). This life-threatening disorder affects intestinal motility and bladder function, and fewer than 200 people worldwide are diagnosed with it. The prognosis was grim. Many children with MMIHS do not survive past early childhood, relying on intensive medical interventions such as total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and multiple surgeries.
From birth, Riley faced overwhelming challenges. Her inability to process food led to distension, pseudo-obstructions, and severe malnutrition. By the time she was three, she had endured 11 surgeries and was entirely dependent on IV nutrition. Her doctors painted a bleak picture, suggesting a future of continued hospitalizations and, potentially, a bowel transplant.
A Turning Point: Discovering a New Approach
As Riley’s condition worsened, Jessica began exploring alternative options, desperate to find something that could help. A chance encounter with a practitioner of the GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) diet introduced her to the No-Plant GAPS protocol, a variation of the carnivore diet emphasizing animal-based nutrition, including meat, organ meats, fermented dairy, and bone broth.
The changes were immediate and astonishing. Within two months, Riley gained ten pounds, her energy returned, and her health improved dramatically. Her distended belly flattened, and she began thriving in ways her family never thought possible.
The Role of Nutrition: A Lifesaving Diet
Before transitioning to the No-Plant GAPS diet, Riley’s condition was aggravated by foods her body couldn’t tolerate, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. Doctors initially advised against dietary restrictions, fearing psychological impacts, and instead recommended lifelong antibiotics. Jessica trusted her instincts and decided to overhaul her daughter’s diet entirely.
The results were groundbreaking. Riley not only gained weight but also experienced a significant reduction in complications like pseudo-obstructions and gas. Her ostomy, which once caused frequent and painful prolapses, became manageable. Even her bladder function improved—a feat her doctors considered impossible.
The Ripple Effect: Changing Lives Around the World
Jessica didn’t stop with her own family. She began connecting with other parents of children with MMIHS, sharing Riley’s story and offering guidance. From Chile to Italy, families who adopted similar dietary approaches saw significant improvements in their children’s health. Jessica’s advocacy has opened doors for many who previously thought there were no viable alternatives.
Thriving Against All Odds
Today, Riley is a vibrant, energetic five-year-old who loves dancing, playing outdoors, and dressing up in princess gowns. Her remarkable recovery has defied all expectations, transforming her life and that of her family. They have embraced an animal-based diet as a household, fostering health and resilience for everyone.
Jessica’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, faith, and the human body’s ability to heal when given the right tools. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for families facing similar struggles, proving that even in the direst circumstances, there is room for hope and healing.
If you’d like to learn more about Jessica’s story or her work, visit Christian Health Collective. Her book, Dying to Thriving: How Simple Dietary Changes Reversed My Daughter’s Terminal Genetic Disease, provides a detailed account of their journey, offering inspiration and guidance for others navigating similar challenges.