At age 13, I faced a life-changing diagnosis: Crohn's Disease. Like many who battle this invisible illness, I experienced severe weight loss, malnutrition, anemia, and debilitating daily pain. Through numerous medical procedures, my dedicated healthcare team identified the cause, but finding the right treatment wasn't easy. After trying various medications and enduring months of uncertainty, we finally found a solution that gave me over a decade of relatively normal life.
However, two years ago, my journey took an unexpected turn when my medication's effectiveness began to decline. The search for a new treatment led to one of my toughest battles yet - six months of intense physical and emotional challenges. Daily pain returned, accompanied by dehydration, joint problems, crushing fatigue, and the mental toll of living with an invisible illness. While I appeared healthy on the outside, inside I was fighting a daily battle.
Thankfully, we discovered a new treatment that has brought me back to health. This experience has deepened my appreciation for medical research and the importance of continued support for organizations like the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. They provide crucial guidance to patients navigating these uncertainties and fund vital research for breakthrough treatments.
My story, though challenging, represents just one experience with Crohn's Disease. Many others face more severe complications, requiring multiple surgeries or becoming bedridden while searching for effective treatments. This is why I'm running a half marathon to raise funds and awareness for Crohn's Disease research. Every step I take represents hope for those still searching for their path to recovery.
