Personal stories

“I am not giving up hope”- Kasey’s story

I am not giving up hope and want to share my story with others who may have similar symptoms and feeling completely lost. Please seek specialist help from a gastroenterologist who is specially trained to help people with IBD. Reach out to others in IBD groups because having someone to talk to that can relate to you is invaluable for your mental health. You are not alone, it’s just sad many do not share their story.  

Kasey

“There are others out there who’ve had this most of their life and are now doing okay”- Rob’s story

I just wanted to let people know that there are others out there who’ve had this most of their life and are now doing okay. I really hope this will help someone.

Rob

“I hope that if this is you, that you hold onto hope that things can get better.” – Amy story

I hope they discover why young people like me are increasingly being afflicted with this humiliating illness. And I hope that if this is you that you hold onto hope that things can get better. They have for me.

Amy

“Keep pushing until someone listens.” – Amelie’s story

Crohn’s is part of my life now. It’s not who I am, but it’s shaped me. It’s made me stronger, more aware, and way more vocal about what I deserve especially in a doctor’s office. If you’re struggling and being dismissed, don’t stop speaking up. You know your body. Keep pushing until someone listens. Because your pain is real. And you deserve to be heard.

Amelie

“Be proud of who you are and celebrate your achievements when you’ve faced so many odds.”- Clare’s story

I think this is the most amazing and beautiful thing about living with Crohn’s and other chronic diseases that we get to have an amazing and different perspective than others. Also, having Crohn’s has made me an incredibly hard worker in anything that I do, and has allowed me to understand that any challenges in my life that come my way I will be able to handle.

“I never could have imagined this would be my life again — taking risks, laughing loudly, living fully” – Jeremy’s story

When I was sick, struggling just to get out of bed, I never could have imagined this would be my life again — taking risks, laughing loudly, living fully.

Jeremy

“I can’t stress enough the importance of advocating for oneself” – Charlotte’s story

Fortunately, through relentless self-advocacy and the search for answers about my condition, I finally connected with a gastroenterologist who truly listened to my concerns. She identified 13cm of inflammation in my colon and diagnosed me with active colitis. My gastroenterologist advocated for me and – since beginning my treatment with Infliximab infusions – I am grateful to be in remission.

Charlotte

“Having to learn to live life in a completely different way takes a heavy mental toll” – Emily’s story

It’s been a long journey to get to where I am today, but I’m proud to say I’m back to feeling strong and fit and pushing myself to do things I never thought possible.

Emily

“I’m reminded I am not just a Crohn’s person” – Rhiannon’s story

Life can still be beautiful and fulfilling with a chronic illness.

Rhiannon

“Keeping your emotions and thoughts bottled up can hurt more than the disease itself” – Josh’s story

To anyone battling UC, or any invisible illness, I want you to know: You are not alone.

Josh

“So many people will support you through this journey” – Jennifer’s story

Throughout this process I have learnt that people care about you and are there to support you.

Jennifer

“It’s made me stronger than ever” – Teo’s story

Between 2019 and 2021, I was diagnosed with arthritis, a liver disease and HS skin disease. However, I finally entered into remission this year. It’s been one wild ride, but I wouldn’t change it because it’s made me stronger than ever. I love my Crohn’s Disease as it’s a part of me.

Teo