Hi,

 

The other day I came across an article about Rob Hill (Canadian (not a component of the disease), Crohns, Ileostomy) who is the first Crohn's sufferer who attempted to climb Mt. Everest and reached base camp but had to quit due to a flare up.

 

While being treated for his flare up the following day, Rob gave an interview where he mentioned that in preparation for the Mt. Everest climb, he had already mastered 6 major mountains and that he considers this venture not as a defeat but as a temporary delay in reaching his goal.

 

 

The fact that he already mastered 6 mountains around the world and attempted Mt. Everest is a major victory in itself and an inspiration for existing and newly diagnosed (especially kids) Crohn's sufferers.

 

My suggestion for this support group is that in addtion to sharing helpful suggestions (which are excellent) we also share inspirational stories about people that we know (real names not necessary) who managed to achieve a goal despite this disease. The goal doesn't have to be as grandiose as climbing Mt. Everest but demonstrates a victory, even for one day, over this disease.

 

My inspiration is my daughter, who is currently waiting for surgery tomorrow.

 

When she was in her last year of high school, she had missed alot of time due to her disease. She had failed the mid-term of one course which was essential to graduate and was unable to complete some of her assignments. Her only hope of graduating was to pass the government exam in June. In early April, she had a massive flare up and had to be hospitalized.

 

While in the hospital and being pumped with high dosages of cortisone, flagyl and gravol, I spoke to her about writing the government exam in January when she would be feeling better. I will never forget the day in the hospital when she told me that not only is she going to write the exam in June but she will be going to the prom with her friends. Two weeks later she was dismissed from the hospital while still on cortisone and gravol (which made her drowsey) and started studying for an exam that was only a few weeks away. Not only was she able to write the exam despite what Crohn's was doing to her, she got a high mark.

 

Our proudest moment as parents was sitting in the auditorium at graduation and watching our daughter get her diploma at the same time as her friends. Even though she didn't win any awards for academic or athletic over achievements, if they had an award for courage and determination, she would have deserved the highest honours.

 

I apologize for such a long email but I guess I am just nervous about tomorrow. Your prayers and personal inspiration stories would be appreciated.

 

Regard,

harold