Got Guts
“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.
“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.
“Having to learn to live life in a completely different way takes a heavy mental toll” – Emily’s story
It’s been a long journey to get to where I am today, but I’m proud to say I’m back to feeling strong and fit and pushing myself to do things I never thought possible.
“Keeping your emotions and thoughts bottled up can hurt more than the disease itself” – Josh’s story
To anyone battling UC, or any invisible illness, I want you to know: You are not alone.
“It’s made me stronger than ever” – Teo’s story
Between 2019 and 2021, I was diagnosed with arthritis, a liver disease and HS skin disease. However, I finally entered into remission this year. It's been one wild ride, but I wouldn't change it because it's made me stronger than ever. I love my Crohn's Disease as it's a part of me.
“It took a long, long time for me to learn to only take on one task at a time and start living in the slower lane” – Sue-Ellen’s story
I’m still working 2 part time jobs (hope to stop soon), have a reasonably healthy diet and regularly exercise (swim 1-2km most days, gym twice a week, walk, and go on the occasional bike ride). My health is pretty good and manageable. We are now empty-nesters and enjoy going on regular camping trips with our camper. We also enjoy bushwalks and ocean swims.
“If I can channel that frustration into something positive, that would be great” – Henry’s story
“If I can channel that frustration into something positive, that would be great” – Henry’s story My journey with Crohn’s…
“The people who love and support you will listen” – Hamish’s story
At first, I tried to ignore my symptoms, desperate to feel “normal” like everyone else. But deep down, I felt weak and powerless. I turned to alcohol and self-destructive habits, using them as an escape, a way to momentarily forget the reality of my condition. But after years of battling stress, frustration, and anger, I finally accepted the truth. This disease wasn’t going anywhere—but how I chose to live with it was up to me.
“I will always advocate for the safety and protection of us all” – Diya’s story
I know that the surgery may still happen down the road, but for now, I’m enjoying the relief that remission brings and am focused on living life to the fullest.
“Some would say I’m unlucky to have gotten sick; I say I’m lucky I lived.” – Trent’s story
It’s hard to fathom how much you take living a “normal life” for granted. Being able to sit down and enjoy a meal, go to the footy on a Saturday, enjoy a beer without worrying about what’s to come, or just sit on the couch with your wife after dinner watching TV. It’s little things like this you don’t realise how good they are until you can’t do them.
“I want to be someone who talks about it” – Cody Ramsey’s story
"Losing 29 kilograms in a matter of weeks, surviving multiple surgeries and an eight month stint in hospital, he is set to make what may be the greatest comeback in rugby league history."
“You deserve to be heard” – Erin’s story
I thought I was honestly a goner. I want to show everyone that there is hope even when you feel like there’s no way out.