Inspired

Dear Tumblr,

Somehow I’ve begun to tap into the IBD community here on Tumblr, and I’m lucky to have uncovered some really remarkable young people. My goal is to become a therapist for teens and young adults with Crohn’s disease and UC to help them conquer the issues that so many of you post about each day. I just want you to know that someone’s reading, and I understand all of the struggles you’re facing.

After 16 years with this illness, I’ve learned a lot about myself and the people whom I keep close to me. The support you find in your friends, your family, and your followers is crucial to keeping a level head, and I wish you all the strength and perspective in the world. I want you to know that it’s okay to be frustrated, it comes with the territory of having any chronic illness - especially IBD. Chronicling everything from symptoms to college acceptances to first loves to first surgeries will help you make sense of things. I still look back on old diary entries and Livejournal posts from middle and high school and think about how far I’ve come.

You inspire me. You motivate me to continue my efforts in research, raising awareness, advocacy, and physician outreach. But I can’t do it alone, and I’ve been lucky enough to connect with a couple of groups of people who feel the same way. Please visit www.c3nproject.org and www.improvecarenow.org to learn more about you can influence the way doctors and researchers work to elevate the standard of care for young patients with Crohn’s disease and UC.

Feel well, stay in touch, and most of all.. keep writing.

Sincerely,

Jill

@1 year ago
#Inflammatory Bowel Disease #crohn's disease