Meet Swapna
Photo by Erin Lindsey Images
Swapna Kakani is a motivational speaker in the area of overcoming personal adversity. Her inspirational life story is one of triumph over chronic illness and of developing individual resilience and self-determination in the face of constant difficulties. Additionally, her experience in leadership endeavors, her community service, and in making an impact on the world around her, through insights on health and wellness are key components in her presentations.
Swapna was diagnosed with Short Bowel Syndrome, a chronic rare disease, at birth and for 27 years has lived with supplemental intravenous nutrition and a feeding tube. She has undergone several surgeries at multiple hospitals throughout the country. In 2012, she made the difficult decision to have her dysfunctional bowel removed and as a result, was not able to eat solid food for almost 3 years. In spite of this, she loved to cook for her family and friends, calling herself a true “foodie,” and has become well versed in nutrition.
In those 3 years, despite her constant hunger and craving to eat, Swapna went back to college, graduated with top honors, and gave the commencement address. In 2014, Swapna received a small intestine transplant and she is presently doing well eating beloved southern food for the first time! She remains busy advocating for other rare disease patients and maintaining her quality of life as a young adult. In addition to speaking, I have started a grass roots advocacy initiative called, Alabama Rare, to help the rare disease patient community in Alabama.
Motivated out of her deeply felt gratitude for the fulfilling life she has led thus far, her passion is to share her experiences and serve others with chronic illnesses. As you listen to Swapna’s story, you will be challenged to rise above life’s adversities, live life to the fullest, and achieve your greatest goals despite the circumstances.
Background
I am was born and raised in Huntsville, AL. I graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in December of 2013 with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. I now am back in Birmingham pursuing my Masters of Public Health at University of Alabama at Birmingham. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, bike riding, socializing with friends, or catching my favorite sports team play for the win!