IBD Awareness,
“Despite everything I’ve kept pushing” – Jaiah’s story
Crohn’s is invisible. From the outside, I look fine. But this disease is exhausting, painful, and relentless. And worst of all, many people think we’re “faking it.”
“You can push and challenge yourself to achieve everything that you want to” – Tara’s story
The hardest time for me was when my medications stopped working in 2021. I was in pain from the moment I woke up, which was both physically and emotionally crippling, as I am normally so active and positive. I wanted to keep up the strong mindset and continue to move my body, but I felt so weak at the time. With the success of Stelara, I now know how much of a privilege it is to feel well and to be able to move my body without limitation. It is for this reason that I have decided to set myself a goal to run 10km in the Nike Melbourne Marathon, where I will be fundraising for Crohn's and Colitis Australia.
“I’m able to make the most of my life with the people I love” – Jas’ story
Sharing my story is important to me because this disease can be very isolating. Whether you've just been diagnosed or you've had it for years. It's encouraging to hear other people's stories and know that you are not alone on this journey.
“I was made to think it was all in my head for so long” – Simone’s story
My mental health and physical health have suffered for years now. I will soon start my journey with biologics. I have a giant fear of needles but I’ve never been so excited to hopefully experience remission.
Living Fearless with Tim
I do it for anyone else out there that is battling Crohn's and colitis. I know how hard it is, and also how hard it can be to talk about it and to feel understood
“Ulcerative colitis didn’t just change her life it changed all of ours.”
Ulcerative colitis didn’t just change her life it changed all of ours. We became closer. We became more tired, more emotional, more aware of the fragility of everything. There were arguments. Tears. Long nights of silence. But there was also love so much love. We celebrated the little victories: a full week without pain, a good doctor’s report, a laugh in the hospital room. Those moments meant more than any birthday party ever could. We learned how to fight together. How to lean on each other. How to keep hope alive, even when it was flickering.
Bag, baby and bravery – Kate’s story
Recovery was difficult, especially while navigating new motherhood at the same time. But one year on, I’m healthy, active, and grateful to be here. I used to see stoma surgery as the worst-case scenario—but it truly isn’t. I wish I’d known back then just how much life was still possible after surgery.
“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!
“The unseen battle” – Jazmin’s poem
A war within, Raging Silently, In the depths of my being, Crohn's, an unwelcome guest, Tearing through my insides
“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.
My journey is my strength – Emma’s story
Some days are harder than others. But even on the toughest days, I choose hope.
“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.