Education
“Hold on to hope if you can” – Chloe’s story
While my Crohn's is not fully settled, I am happier than ever. I have almost finished my degree in Journalism, I am working in a job that I love and am surrounded by amazing friends and support. I have been able to travel overseas with complications and plan to go on three more trips this year!
“You are NOT a burden – you are a gift.”- Lesa’s story
My name is Lesa, and I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2015 at the age of 37. To say it was a complete shock is an understatement. I had heard of Crohn’s disease, but I had absolutely no idea about its extremely challenging symptoms and the devastating—and constant—effects it would have on my life.
“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.
“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.…
“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…
“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.
“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…
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of advocating for oneself” – Charlotte’s story
Fortunately, through relentless self-advocacy and the search for answers about my condition, I finally connected with a gastroenterologist who truly listened to my concerns. She identified 13cm of inflammation in my colon and diagnosed me with active colitis. My gastroenterologist advocated for me and – since beginning my treatment with Infliximab infusions – I am grateful to be in remission.