This week, 1–7 December, marks Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week—a time to shine a light on the challenges faced by millions worldwide living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). For me, this week holds a special poignancy. Not only does it spotlight a condition that has profoundly shaped my life, but it also coincides with my birthday. The synchronicity isn’t lost on me (and boy do I love a good synchronicity!) - it’s a beautiful reminder of how far I’ve come and why I do what I do.
For those of us with IBD, life is often a delicate balancing act. We navigate flares, medications, dietary adjustments, and the emotional toll of living with a chronic condition. Yet, this week isn’t just about raising awareness of the challenges—it’s also about hope, resilience, and the power of knowledge to transform lives.
My Journey with Ulcerative Colitis
Fourteen years ago, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a form of IBD. The journey since then has been anything but linear. There have been flares that felt like they’d never end, countless dietary experiments, and emotional hurdles that tested my resilience. But there have also been breakthroughs, periods of remission, and moments of profound gratitude for the lessons this condition has taught me.
Today, I am in clinical remission, confirmed by a recent colonoscopy. Achieving this didn’t happen overnight—it required a blend of medical guidance, lifestyle adjustments, and unwavering self-compassion. Along the way, I’ve learned that remission is about more than just being symptom-free; it’s about finding balance, understanding triggers, and living a life that nurtures your body and mind.
My Birthday Wish: Spreading Healing
As my birthday approaches, many people have asked me what I want this year. After some reflection, my wish is as simple as it is complicated: I want as many people as possible to find healing, hope, and empowerment in their IBD journeys.
This wish is the driving force behind my books, Well Now: Reclaim Your Life from Ulcerative Colitis - for those with IBD, and Get WELL NOW: Heal Your Gut to Transform Your Life - for those who don't have IBD but are looking to improve their gut health. I'm under no illusions that they aren’t perfect literary works, but they’re heartfelt guides born from personal experience and a desire to make a difference. They contain the strategies, insights, and tools that helped me regain control of my health.
If you’ve read my books and found them helpful, my birthday request is this: share your experience. Leave a review on Amazon or post about the books on social media or in groups you frequent. Word of mouth makes such a difference when people are deciding whether to invest in a book, especially when they’re navigating their own health challenges. Your voice could be the encouragement someone needs to take that first step toward healing.
Why Awareness Matters
IBD Awareness Week is more than just a calendar event. It’s an opportunity to amplify the voices of those living with Crohn’s and colitis, educate others about these conditions, and foster a sense of community. By sharing our stories and resources, we create a ripple effect of understanding and support.
For me, this week is also a chance to reflect on my own journey. It’s a reminder of how much strength I’ve gained, how much I’ve learned, and how deeply I want to help others on similar paths.
Tidbits to Take Away:
IBD isn’t just a physical condition; it impacts mental and emotional well-being, too. Prioritise self-care and seek support when you need it.
Remission is possible, but it requires understanding your triggers and taking proactive steps to support your health.
Sharing your story—whether through reviews, posts, or conversations—can inspire and uplift others in their journey.
This Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week, let’s stand together, share knowledge, and remind one another that while IBD can be isolating, we’re never truly alone.
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