When I was only 16 years old I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease.  I struggled greatly with this disease since having two bowel resections, countless procedures and countless treatments.  Today I am 27 and I am working as a LPN in pediatric home care.  I absolutely love my job, sadly though I often have to miss work due to being sick or in the hospital.  I already utilized all my paid time off that I accumulated since working for the company I work for.  These last two years I had many struggles with my health.  I was in the ER countless times and was admitted 5 times since August 2013 when I got my last bowel resection. My last hospitalization was in february of 2015 and was in for a 12 day stay due to an severe Crohn's flare.  I ended up taking short term disability for a few weeks because I was just too sick to work.  Financially things have been very difficult for me due to insurance related isssues.  I do have insurance through the market place (affordable care act).  I pay A LOT of money for just myself.  For the most part it is great insurance, however when it comes to the ER visits and especially the times I was admitted, the out of pocket expenses are extremely high.  I am currently struggling to pay my medical bills right now for many reasons.  1) I still have to call out of work when I am sick and since I have no more PTO, I dont get paid. 2) My premium for my health insurance is rediculously high. By the time I finish paying all my monthly bills, I dont exactly have the money to pay my medical bills.This has been something that is very difficult for me to do, which is asking for help.  I have never had to ask others for their help, actually I have always been the person helping others and donating to their needs.  When I am feeling well enough I do work a lot and have even worked up to 12 days in a row and worked OT countless times in an effort to pay off the medical bills.  But since I do have many times I am not doing well I have many times where I have to call out as well.  
Any little bit helps.  Due to my disease being active currently I continue and may continue to struggle with working from time to time.  The stress of my medical debt has been very difficult.  I will have this disease for the rest of my life so I will always potentially have medical bills.  I know eventually I will be in a better place where I will be able to handle all this on my own, but right now I can't.  

Thank you for your support!!!

Caryn L Powers

*********If I reach my goal of $6250, I will donate any remaining money to Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America*****

If you wish to read more about my journey and obstacles of living with this disease, you can read it here: http://carynconqueringcrohns.tumblr.com

Camp Counselor WV 2015
Camp Oasis WV CounselorsCampers, Counselors, Nurses, and Staff @ Camp Oasis WV 2015August 12th 2013 Bowel Resection @ Mount Sinai in NYC (2nd Bowel Resection)Crohn's and UC Patients - Camp Oasis Counselors 2015 WV
Myself and my Boyfriend Dave.  One of my biggest supporters who helps me lift me up when I can't.
Camp Oasis' BEST GI doctor!  Dr. Jeff has been the WV Camp Oasis doctor since 2011 and he is AMAZING! 
Myself and Becky at Camp Oasis WV in 2015.  I have known becky since 2011.  She has been my campers 5 years out of the 6 she has been to.  She is an amazing young lady who is a pro in inserting her nightly NG tube to receive her nightly nutrients.  
My Camp Oasis friends and I at Emily's Wedding in 2011.  LIFE LONG FRIENDS ALL BECAUSE OF CAMP OASIS.  My Crohnie and UC friends.  
Camp Oasis in PA in 2008.  My first year attending Camp Oasis.  
One of my many IVs that I received at Robert Wood Johnson to receive Entyvio.  
IVs from my stay at Jersey Shore University Medical center from my 12 day stay.  Needed two IVs.  Received LOTS of IV solu-medrol during this difficult hospitalization.
Humira, one of the medications that was an injections I took weekly that I no longer take due to developing antibodies.  
Getting another blood transfusion
More IV Iron and Blood Transfusions
Some of my many, many medications I take to keep my Crohn's under control...or to try to keep things under control.
My once scar of many from my 2013 Bowel Resection that I had at Mount Sinai on August 12th.