Do It Yourself (DIY) Fundraising

We have decided to make a difference in the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis!  Though invisible to others, these diseases severely impacts the lives of those diagnosed.  Today we honor those with an inflammatory bowel disease, hoping to help find a cure for them!  We think of our very own Coach Becky, who fights against severe pan-ulcerative colitis.

 About Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

Known collectively as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affects almost 1 in 100 people. They are painful, medically incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere along the digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever, and weight loss. Many patients require numerous hospitalizations and surgery. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35; however the incidence is increasing in children. 

 The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is the largest non-profit, voluntary, health organization dedicated to finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The Foundation’s mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who are affected by these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research; providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public; and furnishing supportive services for those afflicted with IBD. 


Read Becky’s Story with Ulcerative Colitis:

I was officially diagnosed with severe pan ulcerative colitis (UC) in December 2019 but have been living with symptoms for 2 years. I did my best to ignore my symptoms for as long as I could in hope of salvaging my military career, but it got to the point that I was so sick that I couldn’t fight it anymore. Ulcerative colitis is an extremely unpleasant life-long autoimmune disease, and I wouldn’t wish the experience on anyone! You have probably heard of Crohn’s Disease more commonly than UC but together, the two are what make up the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) community!

Along my journey I started a biologic treatment. Think ‘chemo for the colon’. I receive IV infusions every couple of weeks. It’s not too scary, but I hate needles so that part is never fun. With the amount of medications I am on I have not quite seen the results that my Gastrointestinal doctor and I would like, so I am currently exploring the UMASS Anti-Inflammatory for IBD diet. It is boring, bland, and I eat most of my food in very soft or liquid form, but it seems to be helping! Food does not cause UC (like it does with IBS) but my body definitely does not react well to certain foods, especially with its current state of inflammation. The hope is to get some of the inflammation in my colon under control and allow the medications the suppress my immune system so it doesn’t attack so strongly! So I will try to stick with it with hopes of my biologic, steroid, immunosuppressors, vitamins, and probiotics kicking in and getting me into remission!

Some days it seems like this disease has stopped my life in its tracks. There are days that simply taking a shower is the only task I can accomplish. Since December I have been hospitalized twice for 10 days total in 2020, contracted a gut infection, constantly gain and lose weight, and have fought multiple bad flares. Seeking community through the Crohns and Colitis Foundation and family and friends support has helped me keep a positive outlook on what I’ve experienced and for what lies ahead!