Stories of Courage and Hope: Five Canadians living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis share their personal stories of how these diseases have impacted their lives.
Andrea’s Story: Knowing you are not alone
Andrea lives in Ontario and was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2006. She has faced long hospital stays and surgery that removed her colon and left her with an ostomy bag. A strong network of family and friends helped her know that she was not battling the disease on her own. Listen to Andrea’s story about the journey that shaped who she is today.
Cathy’s Story: Living with courage as a mom with IBD
Cathy was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 18. She has faced a long and complicated journey as a mom living with inflammatory bowel disease, including emergency surgery when she was pregnant and a family Christmas that had to wait. Cathy’s story portrays the reality of how IBD affects the whole family, and how attitude makes all the difference in surviving it well.
Nickolaos’s Story: You need to own it to conquer it
Nickolaos lives in Montreal and was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 24, but had been living with symptoms since he was 14. Once diagnosed, he found that getting informed helped him to be a better partner with his health care professionals and not be afraid. Listen to his message about how you need to own your disease in order to conquer it.
Jennifer’s Story: Knowledge is empowering
Jennifer lives in Alberta and was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease 12 years ago. Listen to Jennifer’s story on how staying abreast of the latest information and research about Crohn’s has helped her to live with the disease, feel more in control, and have hope for the future.
Ron’s Story: Travelling dreams
Ron is from Ontario and is living with ulcerative colitis. Ron and his wife dreamed of a life of travel to exotic destinations, but a trip to Peru opened their eyes to the challenges of living with inflammatory bowel disease. His story reflects the strength needed to adapt your life in the face of colitis so that you can still follow your dreams.