TRI for a cure in Malibu!
I have decided to make a difference in the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. On September 17-18, 2022 I will participate in the 2XU Malibu Triathlon.
I usually get to start by saying that I'm symptom free or in remission, but unfortunately, right now, I'm not. I'm in the midst of a Crohn's flare that began 4 months ago and continues to get worse.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when I was 12 years old after being sick for years and confusing doctors as to the cause. Once I was diagnosed I began going to many different doctors appointments, trying different medicines and finally finding something that worked to make me feel better. It worked for a while- and then it stopped working, so again, doctors visits, new medicine and again finding one that worked.
So, while the trial and error of managing this disease isn't new to me, it's still extremely frustrating that yet another medication isn't working. I'm lucky to have found a great doctor who is working to get me on something new and hopefully that will get to work soon. It's a reminder that I'll never be fully in control of this disease until there is a cure. With each medication that doesn't work, I get one step closer to running out of options that do work.
I'm raising money for CCFA so that the available treatements CONTINUE to get better and in the hopes that one day there will be a CURE for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
I have been swimming, biking and running training for an Ironman 70.3 while my intestines are bleeding and ulcered, while my iron levels have been dropping and make me anemic, with fatigue and the constant worry that I'm getting too far from a bathroom on my route. BUT despite the pain Crohn's has put my body through I'm still extremely grateful and impressed that this body has been able to get through training. Knowing that I have support from those who have donated towards this race gives me that determination I need to cross the finish line!
SO, I'm excited to continue pushing my body and raising money for CCFA while I train for another triathlon! In hopes of giving my body some more rest and time to adjust to it's new medication, I'll be doing half of the distance this time and compete in the Olympic distance Malibu tri!
Will you help me with a donation to CCFA?
So, while the trial and error of managing this disease isn't new to me, it's still extremely frustrating that yet another medication isn't working. I'm lucky to have found a great doctor who is working to get me on something new and hopefully that will get to work soon. It's a reminder that I'll never be fully in control of this disease until there is a cure. With each medication that doesn't work, I get one step closer to running out of options that do work.
I'm raising money for CCFA so that the available treatements CONTINUE to get better and in the hopes that one day there will be a CURE for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
I have been swimming, biking and running training for an Ironman 70.3 while my intestines are bleeding and ulcered, while my iron levels have been dropping and make me anemic, with fatigue and the constant worry that I'm getting too far from a bathroom on my route. BUT despite the pain Crohn's has put my body through I'm still extremely grateful and impressed that this body has been able to get through training. Knowing that I have support from those who have donated towards this race gives me that determination I need to cross the finish line!
SO, I'm excited to continue pushing my body and raising money for CCFA while I train for another triathlon! In hopes of giving my body some more rest and time to adjust to it's new medication, I'll be doing half of the distance this time and compete in the Olympic distance Malibu tri!
Will you help me with a donation to CCFA?
About Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Known collectively as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affect millions of Americans. They are painful, medically incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere along the digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever, and weight loss. Many patients require numerous hospitalizations and surgery. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35; however the incidence is increasing in children.
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is the largest non-profit, voluntary, health organization dedicated to finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The Foundation’s mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who are affected by these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research; providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public; and furnishing supportive services for those afflicted with IBD.
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