Hi, my name is Stephanie. For those who don't know me as well, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when I was just 13 years old and have now lived with it for more than half of my life. The disease stole that year of my life, between hospitalizations and trying to fit back in with my friends who had continued on with their lives while I missed several months of school.
 In the past five years, Crohn’s has been my constant companion. Not a day went by where I didn’t worry about an accident or case a store the moment I walked inside in search of the nearest bathroom. I learned how to smile through the pain. Mainly because if I didn’t, I would never smile at all.
When my doctor started talking to me about surgery, I immediately said I would do anything to keep my colon. But my condition continued to decline.
On May 7, 2012, I had surgery to remove my colon and receive a permanent ileostomy. Just days after the surgery, I was already feeling stronger than I had in a long time. I had planned to spend the weeks following my surgery watching TV on the couch and doing puzzles, but I ended up painting my laundry room and redecorating my bathroom. I felt better recovering from surgery than I had been living with Crohn’s disease.
The past six months have been an amazing experience. I got addicted to feeling healthy and I competed in my first triathlon in October. That’s something I never could’ve hoped to do before my surgery. I would run out of energy very quickly and if I tried to run, I’d have issues with “holding it in.”
I know now that I want to dedicate my life to helping those who have been in the same situation as I have for the past 13 years. So for my next goal, I am running in my first half marathon with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Team Challenge in Vegas! I’ll be completing the 13.1 mile race to raise funds and awareness for research leading to a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis that have claimed over 1.4 million Americans.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. The cause of these inflammatory bowel diseases remains unknown. However, the effectiveness of recently developed treatment methods and steady advances in research brings us closer every day to finding the cause and probable cure of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
I have committed to raise $3,500 for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. Over 80% of every dollar I raise will directly fund the mission of CCFA, which is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by inflammatory bowel diseases. All donations are tax deductible.
Please join me in the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis!
If you're interested in learning more about living with an ostomy and Crohn's disease, please visit me at my site The Stolen Colon.
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Total Donations: $3,661.00
Goal: $3,500
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