I have since endured more than thirty hospitalizations, IV medications, dietary restrictions and months of homebound school. In addition, I have suffered with painful, unpleasant medication side effects, which included months of steroid dependency that caused excessive weight gain and a big moon face. In 2001 I underwent a total colon removal and lived with an ileostomy bag for four months. I had several complications and underwent two more surgeries and also had to have a permanent IV line inserted. In March of 2002 I had yet another surgery to takedown my ileostomy with hopes of never having it return.

Recently my hair that I lost from one of my meds has grown back beautifully and I have lost most of the steroid weight and I am looking forward to having a regular summer hanging out with friends and just being a kid, having fun, before her senior year of high school.

From the very day of my diagnosis until now, I have tried to remain positive and keep my extreme faith in my parents, my doctors and God. I never once have felt sorry for myself or asked, Why me? Shortly after my diagnosis I joined the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America and I have been instrumental in offering support, especially to other kids, with these debilitating diseases. I have spoken at two pediatric conferences, helped my parents to start a local support group and I have volunteered at several fundraisers. In addition to volunteering at the Golf event, I have helped my parents to coordinate the Strike Out Crohn's and Colitis Bowl-a-thon for the past six years in our town and I have personally raised more than $10,000 for much needed research and support.

In 2001 I was chosen as the Youth Ambassador of the Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter of the CCFA. I have served for years on the MN/Dakota’s Chapter Camp Oasis Committee of which my mom is one of the founders and Camp Director. I was lucky enough to meet my best friend, Tera, in 2001 at our very first Camp Oasis. Although she lives in South Dakota, we talk every day and are very supportive of each other. She spends Christmas with my family and this month, we are participating in a church mission trip to Arkansas together. This will be my last year at camp with Tera but I know that we will be lifelong friends and bringing Tera and I together is one thing that this stupid disease has done that is positive! I will continue to help out with the camp in the future because I feel very strongly that I can help other kids with their feelings and offers great advice on how to get through life living with these horrible diseases. When I offer support and sympathy to others and say, AI know how you feel, I truly do.

Even though I have missed a lot of school, I have managed to stay on the A or B Honor Role and I have joined the FCCLA and SADD. Despite telling my parents at one point that because of the way that I looked, no one will ever love me or even ask me out on a date, they proudly sent me off to my first Prom a few weeks ago. There was also a time that I said because I was so sick, I would never be able to attend college. I am excited to tell you that I am going to college and I have been actively checking out several colleges in which to major in Education.

My parents say that I have more courage and determination than most adults do, and they are very proud of me. I figure the Lord wouldn't have given me this disease if He didn't think that I could handle it. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I have dedicated myself to giving all of the strength and energy that I have to fighting and finding a cure for Crohn's and Colitis and helping other kids who suffer as I have.

I have fought to comeback from a very sickly, moon faced little girl with no hair. I am now a confident, beautiful young lady who despite doing well now, I will never forget where I have been and I have promised to continue to help other young people overcome the devastation of Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

To my fellow teenagers and children living with Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis I say, “Never give up! You have the disease but the disease doesn’t have you. Don't let it control your life and stop you from doing the things you enjoy. Never be ashamed or embarrassed, there are a million other people out there suffering with I.B.D. too! There will be brighter days ahead, just you wait and see!

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