This is a blog post I wrote early this morning…..read on to find out why.

Chronic Illness is a Family Affair

Recently my 19-year-old son Jonah traveled with Lowell (16), who has been battling severe Crohn’s since he was 2, on a family trip with a few of his aunts, uncles and cousins one day earlier then we were to arrive. I instructed Jonah to make sure Lowell drank enough…

Dear Classmates: An Open Letter from an IBD Patient

Dear classmates,

Energy, working out, alcohol, pressed juice, friends, sleep, Ryan Adams and small moments

My family makes fun of me because of my pressed juice/smoothie obsession, due to the cost of said indulgences. How many Clippers games could we see a year with what you spend on…

Some people don’t like the word caregiver or caretaker to be used for a parent or spouse coping with a family member with a chronic illness. What other word is there?

What I Wish People Knew About IBD

Every person has a myriad of roles to play in society, some of which are voluntarily assumed and others of which are assigned. As for myself? I am a student, a friend, a daughter, a mentor, and also a patient. The fact that I have a chronic illness isn’t something I…

Dear Mirror: An Open Letter from an IBD Patient

Dear mirror,

I am not afraid of you anymore. I am not ashamed of you anymore. I am not chained or answerable to you anymore. But it wasn’t always this way…

Dear Olivia: An Open Letter to My Fellow Patients

Dear Roommate: An Open Letter

Dear roomie,

Thank you for putting up with the craziness that is myself. Thank you for being my sounding-board day in and day out, whether in our dorm room or at the dining halls or on our way to class. Thank you for literally crying with me and for…