Story by Revel Team
As told by ShayLee Raye Hunter (advocate, pageant titleholder, and disability visibility leader)
At Revel, our hope for this community has always been bigger than managing symptoms or getting through the day. We believe in living fully — with joy, confidence, and possibility — even when life looks different than expected. ShayLee Hunter embodies that vision in every way. Born with rare digestive conditions and told early on that her future would be limited, ShayLee chose a different path: one rooted in advocacy, visibility, and a deep commitment to thriving on her own terms. Her story isn’t about overcoming illness — it’s about refusing to let it define the boundaries of her life.
Born With a Challenge Most Cannot See
ShayLee’s story begins long before most people would ever notice a challenge. At just six months old, she underwent her first surgery after being diagnosed with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO), a rare condition affecting how food and nutrients move through the body. By age two, she had her first feeding tube — and from that point on, her life became closely intertwined with medical care and adaptation.
Navigating a Life of Medical Complexity
Food — something many of us take for granted — was never simple for ShayLee. Her diagnoses include CIPO, gastroparesis, and short bowel syndrome, all of which impact digestion and nutrient absorption.
“Food was always a hard thing growing up,” ShayLee shared. “I was hungry, but if I ate something, I could be sick, in pain, or worse later on.”
At 16, she underwent ostomy surgery — a life-altering step that reshaped her daily experience. Several years later, most of her intestine was removed, leaving her with roughly 20 cm and a diagnosis of short bowel syndrome, requiring ongoing, specialized support.
Living With a Lifeline
Because her body can’t absorb enough nutrients through food alone, ShayLee relies on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) — a lifeline delivered through her bloodstream, often for ten hours a day.
“TPN is literally my life source,” she explains — a reality she navigates with strength while continuing to live, learn, work, and advocate.
Defying Prognosis — and Expectations
Doctors once warned that ShayLee might not live past 20 — or graduate high school, build a career, or enjoy a full life. Today, at 27, she has proven those predictions wrong. She has earned a college degree, built meaningful relationships, and uses her voice to advocate for disability inclusion and visibility wherever she goes.
Visibility, Identity, and Advocacy
You may recognize ShayLee as Miss Petite Utah — a title she uses not just as a crown, but as a platform for change. Through pageantry and social media, she openly shares her experience with feeding tubes, ostomy care, and invisible illness.
“Invisible disabilities don’t always look like what people expect,” she says. “People see me and think I’m ‘healthy’ — but there’s so much more to the story.”
Growing up, ShayLee faced misunderstanding and judgment, but she learned to rise above it with poise, self-acceptance, and purpose. Today, she works to shift perceptions and remind others that strength and vulnerability can coexist.
The Little Things That Make Life Easier
Living fully also means having tools that make day-to-day care simpler — especially when life is busy and on the move. ShayLee has shared how Revel has become part of her routine.
“Let me put you on to my new obsession — the travel-sized Revel Ostomy deodorizers,” she shared here.
“These little lifesavers are officially my must-have item… I never leave home without them. Eucalyptus and lavender are elite.”
For ShayLee, Revel isn’t about masking reality — it’s about removing friction so she can focus on living, connecting, and showing up as herself.
Thriving, Not Just Surviving
ShayLee’s journey reflects what we hope every member of the Revel community knows: your diagnosis does not decide the fullness of your life. With the right support, tools, and self-trust, it’s possible to build a life that feels expansive — one that includes joy, ambition, beauty, and ease.
“Your differences make you who you are,” ShayLee says. “Be proud of how far you’ve come, and don’t let illness define you.”
We’re honored to share ShayLee’s story — and to stand alongside people like her as they continue to thrive, live boldly, and revel in the lives they’ve created.