For the past five years I’ve been in the trenches of the political, miscommunication and awareness fight of advocating for patients living IBD. I am the unlikely advocate. I was a private person & I’m not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to science. But I made a connection with people. And my love for policy helped me create a platform to make real change for patients. I’m on a mission. But I didn’t start for recognition. I started because it was horrifying to think that other people in this country were having the same experience with living with IBD as I was. They were just as frustrated. Just as sick. Just as alone. But they weren’t alone. I was here and they were there…and somehow I had the courage to take a stand for them, for me & our families.
You don’t do advocacy or activism for recognition. It’s too emotionally draining for that! But it is awesome to get a pat on the back every once in a while. And tomorrow the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation plans on give me a nice pat on the back. The foundation is honoring me in Los Angeles as a Woman of Distinction for my work in awareness & advocacy. It’s amazing that I’ve made a difference in the short time I’ve been advocating for IBD. But I am very proud of the work that I have done. And it’s nice to be recognized for my efforts. I am so grateful to the CCFA for so many things. Hippo will be an active participant in tomorrow’s show and I’m looking forward to celebrating other patients & advocates!
If you would like to donate to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation through my personal fundraising efforts, please donate HERE.
