Deborah grew up in idyllic Hudson, Quebec, where she enjoyed a happy and fulfilling childhood. Her life has been an adventure, marked by frequent moves—including a memorable chapter living in Mexico. Now retired, she has settled in New Hamburg and spends part of the year in an active lifestyle community in Arizona. Her days are filled with tennis, pickleball, golf, line dancing and bridge.
Her journey with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) began when she became ill during her third year of university. At the time, IBD was rarely discussed, and Deborah had no organization like Crohn’s and Colitis Canada to turn to for support. Despite the challenges of navigating a severe condition on her own, she remained resilient. It would be several years later that she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.
“I spent the next 15 years in and out of the hospital,” Deborah recalls. “When I was 26, both my appendix and bowel perforated. I ended up in ICU. My doctor told me I was very lucky to be alive. I feel very lucky.” For the past 30 years, with the help of medication, Deborah’s health has stabilized, allowing her to enjoy a fulfilling life.
Living with IBD has profoundly shaped Deborah’s resilience, teaching her how to overcome adversity and adapt to life's unpredictable challenges. “It taught me to be strong, to face each obstacle head-on, and to find gratitude even in the toughest times,” she reflects. “The experience has given me a deep appreciation for life and for the kindness and support of others.”
Her experiences have shaped her passion for giving back. Deborah hopes her support can spare others from her hardships and help find a cure for IBD. “My hope is that other young people will not have to go through what I went through, and that through donor support, a cure will be found,” she says.
Deborah is a proud member of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s Gutsy Giving Circle, a community of dedicated donors committed to advancing research and funding life-changing programs for those living with IBD. Being part of the giving circle means more to Deborah than just donating—it’s about belonging to a group of individuals who share her vision of a future without Crohn’s and colitis.
“Together, we can make a greater impact,” Deborah explains. “The Gutsy Giving Circle brings together people who are passionate about making a difference. By combining our efforts, we’re able to support the incredible work being done to improve the lives of people with IBD and get closer to finding a cure.”
Deborah is particularly inspired by programs like Camp Got2Go, which offers children with IBD a chance to experience camp in a supportive environment, as well as the Gutsy Learning Series, which provides valuable resources to patients and their families. She also emphasizes the importance of raising awareness. When she was first diagnosed, Deborah had never heard of IBD and wishes she had had access to the kind of support and information available today.
For Deborah, philanthropy is a way to ease someone else’s burden. “If you are able to help someone; whether it’s by volunteering your time, making a donation, providing a sympathetic ear or giving back to your community in any number of ways, you should” she says. “We should all be helping each other, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can make someone else feel less isolated.”
Her generosity and commitment, especially as part of the Gutsy Giving Circle, inspire us all. Thank you, Deborah, for your unwavering support and for sharing your journey with the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada community!
Contact Gwendolyn Fox to learn more about the Gutsy Giving Circle.