Lexie Brown Proves You Can Succeed as a Pro-Athlete Despite Having Crohn’s Disease

Professional basketball player Lexie Brown has faced many challenges in her career, but none quite like the one she encountered last year: a Crohn’s disease diagnosis. At the age of 29, five years into her professional basketball career with the WNBA and Athletes Unlimited, Brown’s life took a drastic turn when she began experiencing symptoms of the chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

“Everything started falling apart around this time last year,” Brown recalls of the Crohn’s symptoms that emerged in the middle of her WNBA season with the L.A. Sparks in May 2023. “Now, a little bit less than a year later, I’m feeling healthy, feeling amazing, and starting the season with no pain, no issues. It is just such a blessing.”

Crohn’s disease is a challenging condition with no known cause or cure, affecting an estimated 750,000 people in the U.S. The autoimmune disease can cause severe pain, diarrhea, bleeding, anemia, and more, making it difficult for individuals to lead a normal life, let alone compete as a professional athlete.

Brown’s journey with Crohn’s began with feelings of fatigue and exhaustion, which were unusual for the dedicated athlete who trained rigorously. As her symptoms worsened, she found herself struggling to manage the pain and distress associated with the disease, impacting her ability to perform on the court.

After seeking medical treatment, Brown underwent emergency surgery to address two fistulas in her intestines that were causing severe complications. Despite facing criticism and rumors about her decision to take a leave from her season, Brown remained focused on her recovery and finding a way to live with Crohn’s as an athlete.

In November, Brown received her official Crohn’s diagnosis, bringing a sense of relief but also a new set of challenges to navigate. As she continues to receive medical treatment to manage the inflammation, Brown has had to make significant lifestyle changes to accommodate her condition.

One of the key adjustments Brown has made is swapping weight training for Pilates, a low-impact exercise that helps her build strength without putting excessive strain on her body. By paying attention to her body, game planning her meals, and communicating openly with her medical team and coaches, Brown has found a way to compete as an athlete with Crohn’s.

“I decided to be more vocal about my Crohn’s diagnosis and dealing with this because I don’t want people to feel embarrassed about dealing with stuff like this,” Brown shares. “Give yourself grace, and don’t be ashamed.”

As she embarks on a new season with a renewed sense of health and vitality, Brown’s story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. By sharing her journey and advocating for greater awareness of Crohn’s disease, she hopes to empower others to embrace their diagnoses and live life to the fullest, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

In the world of professional sports, where physical health and performance are paramount, Lexie Brown’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity stand as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of self-care. As she continues to defy the odds and excel on the court, Brown’s story serves as a reminder that with courage and support, anything is possible.