01/28/2026
At just 30 years old, Tracy Dyer was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis — a chronic illness that would shape the next two decades of her life. For 20 years, she fought daily to manage her condition, never knowing what the future might hold.
In July 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tracy’s health took a sudden turn for the worse. After two weeks in the hospital where she works at Mercy Health — St. Rita’s Medical Center, she learned her colon had perforated, and she needed emergency surgery. She woke up to a reality she had long feared — life with an ileostomy bag.
“I was devastated,” Tracy shared. “Learning to accept my new normal was incredibly difficult, but I knew my journey wasn’t over.”
Determined to explore her options, Tracy researched colorectal surgeons within Mercy Health and chose Dr. John Cullen at The Jewish Hospital — Mercy Health in Cincinnati. Despite the two-hour drive from Lima, Ohio, Tracy says the decision was life-changing.
“From the moment I met Dr. Cullen, I felt at ease,” she said. “He was compassionate, kind, and took the time to answer every question. For the first time, I felt hopeful.”
In September 2021, Tracy underwent the first step toward a J-pouch procedure. Recovery was challenging, and doubts crept in — but Dr. Cullen never wavered in his support.
“He reminded me that my body just needed time to catch up,” Tracy said. That encouragement carried her through her J-pouch surgery in December 2021. While recovery wasn’t easy, it was worth it.
Today, Tracy is living a full, normal life again. “I have peace knowing that if I ever have a concern, I can reach out and get a response,” she said. “That level of care means everything.”
After 36 years as a Mercy Health employee, Tracy is proud to also call herself a patient. “I’m forever grateful for the compassion, expertise and dedication that helped me reclaim my life.”
Has the compassionate care you or a loved one received at Mercy Health made a lasting impact on your life? Visit the link in the comments to share your story with us.