Whether you're just diagnosed or have been living life with Crohn's
for some time, it is always helpful to learn from others in your
shoes. Read the tips provided below from Ally Bain, a Chicago teen
with Crohn's disease to learn how you can reach beyond the
boundaries of the disease to live well — healthfully and happily.
You can also find out more about how 16-year old Ally faced her
Crohn's diagnosis in 2001 head on to lobby behind her own restroom
access law in Illinois by visiting www.CrohnsandMe.com.

In 2004, when Ally was 14, she was denied access to a retail store
bathroom which led to a humiliating accident. Ally and her mother
approached Kathleen Ryg (Illinois State Representative) to sponsor a
bill which would enable others with CD and related conditions be
provided with access to the facilities, regardless of whether or not
it is a public restroom. In 2005 The Restroom Access Act, commonly
known as Ally's Law, was unanimously passed in Illinois. The law
requires businesses to make employee-only restrooms available to
people with inflammatory bowel disease and other medical conditions
such as pregnancy and incontinence. The law is currently being
pursued in other states.

Ally's Tips For Reaching Beyond the Boundaries of Crohn's Disease

Have a solid and complete support system
I have several people who are my biggest supporters: my parents, my
brother, my friends, and my doctor. Each one of them brings a
different source of support whether it is comfort, admiration, good
care giving or simply being by my side when I need it most.

Maintain a positive attitude
I try to find the best in every situation. I don't want to feel like
my Crohn's disease is holding me back in any way. I spend time with
my family, hang out with friends and I enjoy school. I also try to
find things and hobbies to relax myself when I am not feeling well
or need a source of relief. I love art, writing poetry, reading and
just dancing and hanging out with my closest friends.

Tell teachers, coaches and colleagues
At the beginning of school, I make sure all of my teachers are aware
of what is going on with my disease. I explain what Crohn's disease
is, ways to help my school day stay stress free and make it known
that whenever I need to use the restroom, it is rather urgent. I
also have my school counselor or nurse send e-mails to all of my
teachers explaining my condition and ways to help me when I need it.
I make sure my teachers know that if they have questions, I am
willing to share answers. I prefer they know a lot, rather than be
naive and risk me being uncomfortable.

Whether it be school or work, if the appropriate people are
informed, it can make managing day-to-day symptoms easier and limit
their burden on your daily life.

Have a good patient-doctor relationship
Talk to your doctor and he or she will talk to you. I tell my doctor
everything he needs to know about my disease, even when it might be
embarrassing. His attitude toward my disease helps me to stay
positive and strong. I trust in his care and I know we are in this
together.

Think of all the things you can do
With Crohn's, I have learned just how strong and tenacious of a
person I am. I have learned who my true friends are and how much my
family cares for me. I have also realized that I learn something new
with each person I meet. I feel like my work with Ally's Law helps
others and makes a difference for people living with this disease. I
am very proud of myself, my family, my friends, my doctor, and each
and every person that helped me get the law passed. I hope everyone
with Crohn's will stay strong, be positive, and know that one voice
can really make a difference.