We all have someone in our lives who always shows up and is your biggest supporter. The person whose heart is bigger than their self. A person who is thoughtful and intentional in all of their relationships. My best friend since high school is all of these things but above all she has been the most consistent and best friend I could have ever asked for and I know this rings true for everyone else who is lucky enough to be a part of her life. She is a dedicated special education teacher. She loves her littles with autism, down syndrome, and other disabilities. She is loved by her school and community. Briana has managed to maintain her personal relationships, student/work relationships, AND receive such an honorable award all while learning to balance and adjust her lifestyle with a chronic illness. Briana was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease and Colitis back in 2021.

If you do not know, Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune disorder that is treatable, but there is no cure for it. This means her body’s immune system is attacking itself. It can affect a person’s life physically, mentally, and financially during the active phase and flare-ups. People with IBD work towards remission status and maintain it to lead normal lives. Being diagnosed with a chronic illness is not something you expect to happen in your young years or during the prime of your life. Since her diagnosis, she has really struggled with severe health issues that make it difficult for her to continue working and maintain her adult life. Currently, she has endured two hospitalizations, several failed treatment plans, endless doctor appointments, handfuls of ER visits, drained sick leave, months of missed work, and piles of medical bills. She also had to withdraw from her Specialist Education program due to the toll this illness can take. She is currently on a new treatment plan and waiting to receive her long-term medication (and possible procedure/surgery) with hope this will put her back into remission.

At the beginning of this school year, she has been able to achieve remission status with her health previously, but due to other illnesses throughout the last couple of months. She is no longer in remission with her IBD and is experiencing some debilitating health issues currently. Despite all of this, she has remained positive through her faith and support system. With this most recent flare-up, it is best for her to move back home to allow her time to recover physically and financially. Please consider giving to Bri in hopes that she can gain remission status again and get back to living her life well and without pain.