Living By Faith

Ten years ago my life changed when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. It started me on a journey which ultimately became the best thing to happen to me after the birth of my son. God taught me that living by faith in His word and His assurances will ensure all my needs will be met.

I was originally diagnosed with Crohn’s in 1999. I had surgery for what I thought was an appendectomy but in reality was a perforated intestine. At the time I weighed 185 pounds. Several months after surgery my weight was down to approximately 140 pounds. I did not adjust well to the disease. At I first I was in denial but after some time I realized I needed to gain greater control over the disease.

Apart from affecting my diet, the diagnosis and surgery changed the entire family. I had to be more conscious of what I ate and when. Travel became a logistical nightmare. The disease brought on a severe case of anemia which made lethargic and prone to cold spells. My wife would worry herself sick during flare ups. Simple tasks like going to the store or walking the mall could present major challenges based on how my body felt at that moment. During flare ups the abdominal pain could be so severe there were times I wish I had cancer.

Meaning no disrespect to any cancer survivors (my sister, Dora, is a three-time cancer survivor) or any one who has lost a love one to that disease. But with cancer there is a beginning and an end. You either beat the disease or you don't. That is not the case with Crohn's. Crohn's disease is a chronic (ongoing) disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although it can involve any area of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, it most commonly affects the small intestine and/or colon. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis affects approximately 1.4 million adults and children. Most people develop these diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.

There is no known cause nor is there a cure for Crohn’s. The disease is extremely frustrating because it is so individualized. You and I can have similar symptoms and similar procedures performed; however, the illness will still affect us differently. Consequently, each of us affected by the disease must chart our own course in living and managing the disease.

Over time, I was able to combine changes in my diet with changes in the treatment of the disease to gain some control of my life.

However, in late 2007 and 2008, God taught me by being faithful to Him, He would demonstrate His faithfulness to me. After a series of transfusions and other tests it was determined I needed surgery to remove approximately 20 additional inches of my intestinal tract. I was able to get excellent care and had the surgery February 27. An ileostomy was performed which allowed me to maintain a quality of life my family and I had lost in the preceding nine years.

The surgery removed the infected area of my intestinal tract leaving me temporarily free from the disease. A subsequent surgery, colostomy, was performed when it was evident I was losing too much fluid with the ileostomy. With that came other forms of complications which required me to be hospitalized a third time. It is by the grace of God, our Faith in Him and the support and prayers of our family and friends that I m here today and writing to you to share my/our journey.

While I have been able to regain a more normal quality of life, I am not out of the woods. I am disease free for now but have reached my limit in surgical options should the disease reoccur. I now have short bowel syndrome which reduces the time I can digest food. The only realistic option in the future is a transplant (success rate is limited) if surgery is required in the future.

In spite of these challenges, God has been faithful. He has provided our family with repeated assurances He would take care of us and He has. Because maintaining a conventional job is no longer an option, the Lord has expanded my territory and creativity to work out of my home, the health (stability) and encouragement to train for this half marathon in Hawaii.

As a witness to our Heavenly Father and in obedience to Him, my wife and I have committed to support the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) in their fundraising efforts in 2010 (Napa Valley) and 2011 (Miami) as well. We would love for you to join us in our effort to find a cure for this unforgiving disease. But if you can't walk, your financial support would be greatly appreciated. For your convenience you can donate on line or you can send a check or money order to my home address at 9811 Cahart Place, Silver Spring, MD 20903. If you are sending a check or money order please address it to CCFA. Your donation is tax deductible. If you are unable to donate, please pray we will reach our goal of raising $25,000 and/or pass this on to others who may be interested in donating.

Any contribution you can make is important and will make a difference. Here are some facts for you to consider:

1. $30 provides a one year membership to CCFA for someone in need.
2. $50 provides educational brochures to 375 patients.
3. $100 funds a month of Information Resource Center translation services for all patients.
4. $300 supports a Camp Oasis camper in need for one day.
5. $500 covers six months of unlimited online chat support with Patient Information Specialists.
6. $1,000 will open doors to over 20,000 patients who receive our bathroom access cards.
7. $2,500 sends a child to Camp Oasis for one week.
8. $5,000 gives continuing education credit to hundreds of nurses attending CCFA's educational teleconferences.
9. $10,000 supports the development of Patient Education brochures.

Any assistance you can provide be it financial or prayer is greatly appreciated.

Thank you and God bless.