Our Story
Connecting Pieces is built on resilience, love, and gratitude. It started with a fashion show fundraiser Keyla, our founder put together, not realizing it would spark something much bigger. That event showed her the power of community and how, when we come together, we can change lives. “As an ostomy patient and mom raising a son with gastrointestinal challenges, I know how overwhelming the journey can feel. I wanted to create a space where others could feel seen, supported, and understood.”
That vision grew stronger when Keyla teamed up with Kim (our previous co-founder) and Dan. Kim, a colorectal cancer survivor and colostomate living with ischemic colitis, and Dan, who has ulcerative colitis, both share a passion for helping others and improving the future for our communities. Today, Connecting Pieces offers resources, emotional support, and life-saving supplies. We’re endlessly grateful for everyone who’s joined us on this journey. Together, we’re building something truly special.
Meet the Team
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Keyla Ire
FOUNDER- CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Welcome to Connecting Pieces. Hi, I’m Keyla—a mom, advocate, and ostomy patient. My journey with Inflammatory Bowel Disease along with raising a son facing similar health challenges, showed me just how isolating and overwhelming life can feel without the right support. I wanted to change that.
What started as a charity fashion show turned into Connecting Pieces—a place where people can find resources, connection, and hope. It’s all about community, showing up for each other, and making sure no one has to face these challenges alone.
I’m deeply thankful for the community we’ve built and the chance to keep growing together.
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Daniel Swanbeck
CO-FOUNDER-BOARD MEMBER
Dan's life took an unexpected turn in 2011 when he was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Despite the new challenges, he persisted as a professional race car driver, achieving wins and success, proving that he could still perform in the highest levels of motorsport. Using his platform, Dan advocated for the IBD community, engaging in various initiatives from charity events to supporting patients directly, culminating in the creation of his own support community.
In this journey, he crossed paths with Keyla, and together, they embarked on a mission to make a difference for those affected by IBD. Their partnership signifies a shared commitment to effecting meaningful change. Dan's story embodies resilience and determination, inspiring others to confront adversity with courage and purpose. As he continues to race against Ulcerative Colitis, Dan's journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of unwavering advocacy.
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Cecilia Lynn MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CWOCN
BOARD MEMBER
Cecilia Lynn, is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in colorectal care and ostomy management. With over a decade of clinical experience, she currently serves patients at Fairfax Colorectal Surgery and has been recognized as one of Seattle Met’s Top Docs. Cecilia has a long-standing commitment to patient advocacy and has served as president of the Ostomy Association of South Texas. As a board member of Connecting Pieces, she brings her clinical expertise and passion for equitable, compassionate care to support our mission and amplify the voices of those living with chronic GI conditions.
Our Amazing Volunteers
Misareilys Carrasquillo
Ashley Turner
Ashley Sara
Sierra Cabezas
Yesenia De Jesus
Lisa-Stephanie Valme
Victoria Fabbo
Dr. Denalerie Johnson-Faniel
Dr Ahmad Al Falet
Krista Durant
Lillyvette Chavez
Justin Veloz- Perez
Renika Wood
Tomiyo Williams
Sandra Jones
Christopher Cummings
Raphael Rodrigues
Impact Reports
Healing Arts Program
Creative Wellness for Global GI & Rare Disease Communities
The Healing Arts Program provides free virtual workshops offering creative expression, connection, and emotional wellness for individuals living with gastrointestinal conditions, ostomies, rare diseases, and for caregivers and youth.
What began with three small pilot workshops in late 2024 has now grown into a global program reaching families in five countries.
Through art, movement, reflection, and supportive community, Healing Arts is helping people feel seen, supported, and connected.