Personal stories

My journey is my strength – Emma’s story

Some days are harder than others. But even on the toughest days, I choose hope.

Emma

“It’s such a horrible disease – but for it to have a reason or purpose, I think is great. I think volunteering kind of gives it that purpose. ” – Adam’s story

There’s always going to be good days, there’s always going to be bad days. My personal motto is to roll with the punches. I mean, it’s not always going to be easy, it’s not always going to be one step and you’re better. Sometimes you do just have to kind of sit with that. And it can be horrible, but I think a lot of my stuff is the stuff surrounding Crohn’s — so my Crohn’s has been really bad, but since I’ve been in remission for a couple of years now, which is great, but now it’s just a lot of random stuff. Like, eczema and stuff because of the Crohn’s. And yeah, so it’s always just — you just got to roll with the punches sometimes.  And if it’s a bad day, it’s a bad day. And you just go to get through that day, rest, go to bed, and then get up and start the day fresh.

Adam

“My three points for living with IBD: Own your health, tell someone, celebrate your wins.” – Daniel’s story

In 2009, I was 20, playing rugby at a high level and at peak fitness, until my body blindsided me.…

Daniel

“To anyone that knows someone with any disease, please be kind, because everyone you meet is fighting a battle you may know nothing about.” – Libby’s story

The year 2004 changed my life forever. I’ll never forget the day a specialist called and said, “You have Crohn’s…

Libby

“If your body is telling you something’s wrong, then it’s probably right.” – Elli’s story

It has now been 6 months; I am slowly starting to feel healthy and be able to enjoy my hobbies. I thought the pain I felt was “normal,” but I now know it was not. If your body is telling you something’s wrong, then it’s probably right. I have decided to share my story to help others who feel alone within their diagnosis. 

Elli

“I hope to help inspire other teens with IBD and encourage them to share their own”- Maythem’s story

Even though the people around me kept telling me I was faking, I knew something deep inside was wrong. I…

“Remember, you are not alone, and you are doing amazing” – Julia’s story

If I had been told two years ago that I would end up with an ostomy bag, I probably would have cried and not wanted it and would have worried about being “different”. Today, it’s something I’m incredibly grateful for, and for my surgeons and gastroenterologist who listened. There are plenty of support networks out there for those who are struggling and knowing who they are can be a huge help, not just for your physical health but for your mental wellbeing too. Remember, you are not alone, and you are doing amazing.

Julie

“I am not giving up hope”- Kasey’s story

I am not giving up hope and want to share my story with others who may have similar symptoms and feeling completely lost. Please seek specialist help from a gastroenterologist who is specially trained to help people with IBD. Reach out to others in IBD groups because having someone to talk to that can relate to you is invaluable for your mental health. You are not alone, it’s just sad many do not share their story.  

Kasey

“There are others out there who’ve had this most of their life and are now doing okay”- Rob’s story

I just wanted to let people know that there are others out there who’ve had this most of their life and are now doing okay. I really hope this will help someone.

Rob

“I hope that if this is you, that you hold onto hope that things can get better.” – Amy story

I hope they discover why young people like me are increasingly being afflicted with this humiliating illness. And I hope that if this is you that you hold onto hope that things can get better. They have for me.

Amy

“Keep pushing until someone listens.” – Amelie’s story

Crohn’s is part of my life now. It’s not who I am, but it’s shaped me. It’s made me stronger, more aware, and way more vocal about what I deserve especially in a doctor’s office. If you’re struggling and being dismissed, don’t stop speaking up. You know your body. Keep pushing until someone listens. Because your pain is real. And you deserve to be heard.

Amelie

“Be proud of who you are and celebrate your achievements when you’ve faced so many odds.”- Clare’s story

I think this is the most amazing and beautiful thing about living with Crohn’s and other chronic diseases that we get to have an amazing and different perspective than others. Also, having Crohn’s has made me an incredibly hard worker in anything that I do, and has allowed me to understand that any challenges in my life that come my way I will be able to handle.