I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease spring of last year. On receiving my diagnosis, my family and I were devastated to discover the impact it would likely have on my health for the rest of my life. Regardless of what my diagnosis told me, how sick I became, and the multitude of doctor visits and tests I had, I chose to push through school and final exams and to continue pursuing my passions to the best of my ability. One of the most significant passions I’ve followed is my passion for rock climbing. For the past two years, I’ve been on a competitive rock climbing team at my local gym. Aside from indoor climbing, I had planned to travel to Estes Park, Colorado last summer to camp and climb in the Rocky Mountains, which was unfortunately near the peak of my disease before I started treatment. It was very challenging to stay afloat and muster the energy to go on the daily hikes, climb for the majority of the day, and hike back, sometimes with heavy crash mats on my back. The last day of the trip was especially difficult, during which my partner (and long time best friend) and I did a multi-pitch trad climb with an altitude change of around 300 feet. The support of my instructors and parents pushed me to overcome the challenges I faced, and I ultimately left the trip with an experience I will never forget.
Since then, I’ve received treatment (IV infusions of Remicade) which have been tremendously helpful. Thanks to my doctor, Dr. Zweiner, and the wonderful nurses with whom he works, I’ve made a huge recovery and have since gained over 30 pounds and a few inches of height, as well as regaining the energy I had before the whole ordeal. This summer, I plan to go on a trip to Norway with a few other kids my age where we will climb in Hanshelleren Cave, home to some of the best (and hardest) rock climbing in the world. Being able to go from someone who was underweight and anemic to someone who can pursue their passions in another continent (thanks to my parents’ and doctors’ support and resources) is something that can only be attributed to the ever-improving treatment made available to those that suffer from IBD and IBS.
Please help my team participate in Take Steps, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s largest nationwide fundraising campaign, to raise awareness and funds to accelerate the progress of breakthrough inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research and to support critical patient programs to make other stories like mine possible. Please help us reach our goal so that, together, we can support the crucial work of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Your donation to our fundraising efforts will help the Foundation reach new summits in IBD cures for the future and provide needed support to patients today.
