Almost seven years ago I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis after about eight years of stomach problems. Less than a year later my diagnosis progressed to Crohn's disease. The following set of tests revealed that I also have gastric Crohn's, which is very rare. My life has so dramatically changed. While it is good to know a reason for some of my health problems; there has yet to be a resolution to my symptoms. Despite the fact that I spent six years getting a degree and doing a graduate program I am unable to work because I never know when I will be stuck in bed for days being sick. There are also everyday struggles that I am constantly dealing with. I am 31 years old and I take far too many medications, spend far too much time in doctor's offices, and way too much time sick at home for a person my age. I was able to get home health aid where when I have a vomiting episode (at least every two weeks) I can get an IV that I keep in for on average five days. This way I am able to self-administer fluids and nausea medications. This has mostly kept me out of the ER but it is still awful. It is awful to have to be even sicker every two weeks; however sometimes the waiting is the worst part. Two years ago marked my first official Crohn's related surgery (although I have had others) with the insertion of a port a cath since IV's were geting too difficult. Unfortunately this did not heal properly and was essentially unusable and I had to have it removed last year. This past week I had my second surgery to try and treat an intestional infection that I have been battling for almost a year.  The constant knowing that the worse times are coming and the fewer good days is very hard. I have reached a new level of frustration with this terrible disease. It has taken my life and even though I dutifully take my medications, do all the painful injections and endure the procedures, infusions and appointments the disease keeps getting worse and depriving me of having a life. I developed antibodies to a Chron's medication that was working so was forced to stop it and this lead to the worst and longest severe flare I have had yet. I am in the process of trying a second new medication but there are no garuntees that it will work. I have also had to be on steroids for almost two years which is very dangerous but I have not been able to sucessfully survive wihtout them. This disease needs a cure. It is extremely important that research and progress continue to be made. Many people don't discuss these two diseases because of the nature of the main symptoms but people need to know that they don't need to suffer in silence. My hope is that some day some of this research can help not only many other people but help me get some relief and lead a life like a 31 year old should be able to.

This is an extremely important cause to me and you can do so much good with your donation. Thank you.

Help me reach my goal!

This year, I will be walking in the Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). Take Steps is CCFA's national walk the nation's largest event dedicated to finding cures for digestive diseases. It is a casual 2-3 mile stroll to raise money for crucial research, bringing us closer to a future free from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Over 1.6 million American adults and children are affected by these digestive diseases. While many suffer in silence, Take Steps brings this community together in a fun, energetic and supportive atmosphere.

Your donation will help support local patient programs, as well as important research projects. This cause is very important to me and I appreciate your help as we fight for cures! In addition to donating, you can join me at the event. There will be food, music and family activities. The more money we raise, the closer we will be to making life more manageable for patients who live with these diseases every day.

Please join me or donate to my efforts to support CCFA in finding cures!