Travel
You know your body better than anyone else
When I was 16, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, but my story started years before that. Ever since I…
Living with Crohn’s for 58 Years – Elina’s Story
When I look back and see me now, it's breathtaking. I am very grateful every day. I am 70, going on 71 next month! I have traveled, and Crohn's did not stop me from work travels or scholarships abroad.
Navigating My Life with Crohn’s Disease – Devin’s Story
To anyone living with IBD, remember you’re not alone. With support, self-care, and hope, anything is possible!
How a Young Girl with Crohn’s Became a Nurse – Dana’s Story
Helping others with similar stories and health conditions makes me feel like I can make a difference in this world even if it’s just one person.
“Being mindful isn’t weakness. Being prepared isn’t limitation. Knowing your body isn’t defeat: it’s strength.” – Karl’s story
I wanted to share my UC story, in a real, honest, “this is how it unfolded and what I’ve learned” kind of way. Maybe it helps someone who’s in the thick of it right now.
“I will never give up trying to make a difference in the world” – Liesel’s story
I am a Crohn’s ileostomate of 27 years, a wife, mother, medical educator, writer, traveller, foodie, advocate and a doctor of 20 years.
“My friends keep reminding me that I should be proud of myself and lately, I really have been feeling that way.” – Emmie’s story
A few months into traveling, I had another checkup. The results: deep remission. All the hard work, taking multiple daily meds and supplements and working on my diet was all worth it! I cried happy tears in recovery, it had been such a long road back to feeling like myself.
“I’m reminded that my life isn’t completely ‘normal’ – but that’s okay – it’s my normal.” – Christian’s story
Since starting infliximab I’ve also packed up my life and moved to London for six months. I’ve taken part in a placement program in rural India. I’ve travelled to Bali, Singapore, the UK, Hungary, Greece, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain… I’ve attended the AusGP. I’ve graduated from a Bachelor of Pharmacy. I’ve worked full-time. I’ve studied for and sat multiple exams. I’ve learnt how to cook (or at least am trying to). I’ve made new friends and reconnected with old. I’ve been to concerts and festivals and beaches and parties galore.
“I have learnt so much about myself” – Bridie’s story
My experience with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) began long before I had a name for 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.
“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!
“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.