Kyle and Nathaniel Brown
Nathaniel Brown would do anything to help find a cure for his dad.
For the Brown family fighting IBD is a family affair. This year, Nathaniel, 12, and his dad Kyle, were named the 2023 Gutsy Walk National Honourary Chairs and they are doing everything they can to raise awareness and funds for research.
For the last 26 years, Kyle has battled the ups and downs that come with Crohn’s disease.
“Every medication that I tried only seemed to provide relief for a few years at a time before it would no longer help,” says Kyle, who was diagnosed at 16-years-old. “I had my first bowel resection surgery in 2013 due to extensive damage in my small intestine. 2019 was even more challenging, as I had two more bowel resection surgeries; the first was due to an intestinal blockage and the second was a few months later due to a perforation occurring in my colon, that left me with an ileostomy.”
Four years later, Kyle says he’s feeling great and enjoying life with his wife Alanna and their three kids. He wanted to share his story with you today because he regrets not getting involved sooner (he is an avid advocate and past President of the Winnipeg chapter). He wants people to know that Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is there to support you and your family, every step of the way.
As Nathaniel and Kyle’s story shows, IBD affects the whole family. It affects our grandparents, parents and kids. Yet, the Crohn’s and Colitis family is incredibly strong and resilient. We are here to lift each other up and support each other through the good and bad times.