This year, I have a chance to fight back against Crohn’s and to show that I still have plenty of fight left in me. Along with my daughter, Jasmine, I’ll be participating in this year’s Gutsy Walk, presented by Crohn’s and Colitis Canada on June 8th, 2014.

I’ve been working to get back in shape following my last surgery in November, and I’ll be starting a walking routine in April to prepare for the 5 km Gutsy Walk.  

One of the biggest challenges I’m facing now are joint pains.  

I had been struggling with joint pains since my “Great Flare of 2010”, but they had subsided after getting my ileostomy in August 2013.  

For some reason, the pains came back after a tetanus booster I had mid-February 2014 and I haven’t been able to shake it since.  

The pain really affects my ankles and knees, and they always feel like they’re on fire, but I’m determined to complete the walk – even if I have to crawl to the finish line!

The reality is, determination alone won’t cure IBD.  We need to fund research in order to identify the causes and treatments for this terrible illness.

I would be so grateful for any pledges made for this event.  You can make a donation online through the Gutsy Walk page found here:  Team VeganOstomy