Hello!

My name is Josh Harwart. On June 4, 2022, I will be participating in the Tennessee Take Steps Walk, a fundraising campaign designed to raise money and assist the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation's efforts against Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

My Story

In 2016, I began experiencing symptoms that, at the time, I categorized and brushed off as a stomach bug. After years of short, recurring time periods being symptomatic then asymptomatic, my worst flare-up started in July 2021. What used to be days of symptoms turned into weeks, then into months. December came around and my lovely wife, Megan, pushed me to seek help. A few doctor's visits, several blood tests, and a colonoscopy/endoscopy later, I finally received my official diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.

This is a chronic autoimmune disease that I will be battling for the remainder of my life. I am thankful for all the medical professionals, my family and friends, and God for all of the help and support on my journey so far. I wouldn't be able to do this without all of you.

Please consider donating to my campaign and together we can make a difference.

Thank you!
Josh

About Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
"Known collectively as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affect almost 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."

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
"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."