Invisible Battles: A Gut Feeling About Life A Memoir of Crohn’s, Chaos, and Courage—with a Healthy Dose of Humor by Michelle Valentino What happens when your stomach declares war—and refuses to surrender? For Michelle Valentino, living with Crohn’s disease wasn’t just a medical diagnosis; it was a lifelong adventure filled with IV poles, bathroom emergencies, and a whole lot of awkward honesty. From middle school embarrassment to motherhood, marriage, and teaching, Michelle learned that humor isn’t denial—it’s survival. Told through laugh-out-loud stories and heartfelt reflections, Invisible Battles is a memoir about learning to thrive in a body that doesn’t always cooperate. Through hospital halls, soccer fields, and classroom chaos, Michelle shares how she turned pain into purpose—and found strength in laughter, love, and the occasional leak. This is a story for anyone who’s ever faced something invisible: a chronic illness, anxiety, grief, or self-doubt. It’s for those who’ve learned that the bravest thing you can do is keep showing up—even when life gets messy. Because as Michelle says, “We all carry something. Mine just comes with accessories.”