Aja, Team Overcome
My husband's name is Cal and he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2001. After a few years of sickness and a colectomy, the doctors then correctly diagnosed him with Crohn's disease. This was before I married him, before I loved him, even before I knew him. So, when I came into the picture, inflammatory bowel disease and my husband already had a long relationship - one in which I did not know what role to play.
Cal never liked to make a big deal out of his Crohn's - he still doesn't. Cal knows this is something God will use to touch others. He realizes that God has bigger plans for his life and therefore lives each day knowing there is a greater purpose. We have been in and out of the ER multiple times, with me staying beside him, praying for him, sick inside from not knowing how to help him. My natural instincts to want to "make it all better" were going to have to change.
Cal and I - we don't have a cure for Crohn's. But we do have a strength together because of our faith.
Our team name is "Overcome" because Cal went from being a totally health person in college to given two weeks from death. Cal had a complete colectomy, got back on his feet, and today is a personal fitness trainer. Now every time he is given a tough circumstance in life, he has the attitude of overcoming it. And Cal has taught me that to help him get through the tough days, I need to be right next to him fighting Crohn's and not letting it beat us.
So, that is why I am walking this May. Cal and I have to "overcome" this disease so that others can look to us and know that life not only moves on, but can be wonderful!
Jen
My husband Brandon has Crohn's disease. When he has flare-ups or medication issues, it is really hard for me to be an outsider who worries and hopes that everything will get better. I love Brandon and I cannot sit and watch what twists and turns his disease will take.
Take Steps allows me the opportunity to actively participate in making Brandon's life better. I understand that research is vital to finding a cure and better medicines for him, and I am happy to be able to not only throw myself into the cause, but to draw in support from friends and family as well. Last year our friends and family helped me raise over $2,000. I did this in Brandon's name last year, and am very happy to be able to do it again this year!
Watching someone you love struggle with a disease is never easy. Brandon has battled Crohn's disease for twelve years. As his wife and someone who does not personally have to fight Crohn's, like Brandon, I am able to combat the disease from different angles, such as funding research, and raising awareness. Drawing on Brandon's courage helps me to provide complimentary strengths that ease the overall burden of his disease.
Last year was our second year walking in Take Steps and fourth year donating. I hope that all of you who have a loved one with Crohn's or Colitis will take an active role in trying to find a cure. What better way to do it than by gathering your friends and family and joining together to walk this May?
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