My Crohn's story began around the age of 15/16. It started like most patients journey with undiagnosed gut pain, confusion, and a spectrum of gastrointestinal symptoms. Which is obviously very easy to talk about early in high school... definitely nothing else to deal with at that age and very easy to communicate end to end digestive tract issues to adolescent peers ;)
After a couple years of pricks, pokes, well-time butt jokes, a few surgeries and hospital stays, I ultimately was diagnosed with Crohn's. After calming the most acute symptoms through steroids and various medications, I have been fortunate to remain asymptomatic for the better part of the last 17 years or so and have been able to live an active and adventurous life. I am very grateful to the handful of doctors and nurses who have supported me throughout this process.
To give back, I am running the NYC Marathon for Mt. Sinai IBD Pediatrics. I am raising money to provide current and future young irritable bowel disease patients with the support they need as they go through their own journey and hopefully be able to live without chronic symptoms. If you know me, you know I am a life-long camp counselor in spirit and passionate about working with kids and empowering youth of all backgrounds.
If you have the means, please consider donating to my fundraising page and supporting youth living with IBD.
Thank you!
Joe