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Thank you for visiting this page! Here is a bit about me. I was a happy and healthy kid, until I wasn’t. I was 12 yrs old when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. I am now 36. I remember crying my heart out when I heard that there was no cure. The idea of living with this horrible disease forever terrified me, and to be honest, it still does.
Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with no known cause and also currently without a cure. It is a condition witch the immune system develops a tumor necrosis factor that causes inflammation and attacks the lining of the digestive tract causing severe pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fevers, vomiting, fatigue and malnutrition. Even though Crohn's is primarily an IBD, it has systemic effects to the entire body.
I spent countless nights in the hospital and have had 14 surgeries. They were all necessary due to the severe complications that Crohn’s had caused. I currently have a permanent ileostomy that has been surgically created for me to have a quality of life. After aggressive medications and IV nutrition I beaten all the odds and made it out of many close calls.
I was blessed to be able to have a happy and healthy boy. Zach is now 15 and my reason for everything. He is the most amazing young man, the reason I continue to fight! Dealing with this was hard for me at a young age but I knew I had the ability to turn it around. Because of my experience with Crohn’s disease, I knew I wanted to help others and I became a nurse. I love helping others. I’m compelled to give back, volunteer, support and educate others about IBD. I was fortunate in 2012 to run the 13.1 Vegas Strip at night with Team Challenge! Becoming an advocate and support for patients and others with IBD is what I love. No one should have to endure this disease. If it means that someone needs to be challenged, to help someone else, I am glad that person is me.
I and have always worked hard to support myself and child, despite what the doctors said. I’m a mom! That is what we do! Besides, I really don’t like to be told that there is something that I cannot do. I have been resilient, some just say plain stubborn, but I refuse to let this disease control my life. Over the years, I have been able to enjoy a few years of remission and live as normal life as possible; this disease has shown me how to be strong.
Unfortunately, my Crohn’s has now relapsed and progressed again. I have had it for so many years my body is no longer responding to the medication cocktails. The medications that I am taking significantly lower my immune system. Due of the many surgeries and Crohn's complications I no longer am able to absorb enough nutrients from food. I have very restricted diet and depend on artificial supplements to sustain and stay hydrated. I will require more intervention soon, but the next procedure is very high risk. Surgery will not change my outcome, but may prolong my life and help relieve the pain.
The disease that brought me to the world of nursing that I love has also taken me away from it. At least in the work place. The docs have made me realize that I am not currently healthy enough to work, my patients are now a danger to me with a compromised immune system. This is very hard for me to accept but nursing has also tought me how important it is to realize my limitations. This may be a Crohn's battle setback, but I will win the war!
In the hopes of helping with relief for medical bills, medications and living expenses; please help Catrina have a peace of mind by knowing some of this burden is no longer as heavy for her to carry. We want her to focus on her health and recovery. She has applied for Social Security Disability but that is a long and drawn out process that can take a very long time to be approved. She is currenly unable to work and has many expenses that need to be covered. Any dontation is a blessing and is deeply appreciated. No gift is too small. She has given so much to so many and has impacted so many without even realizing it! She continues to support, educate, advocate to find a cure for Crohn’s disease.
Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with no known cause and also currently without a cure. It is a condition witch the immune system develops a tumor necrosis factor that causes inflammation and attacks the lining of the digestive tract causing severe pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fevers, vomiting, fatigue and malnutrition. Even though Crohn's is primarily an IBD, it has systemic effects to the entire body.
I spent countless nights in the hospital and have had 14 surgeries. They were all necessary due to the severe complications that Crohn’s had caused. I currently have a permanent ileostomy that has been surgically created for me to have a quality of life. After aggressive medications and IV nutrition I beaten all the odds and made it out of many close calls.
I was blessed to be able to have a happy and healthy boy. Zach is now 15 and my reason for everything. He is the most amazing young man, the reason I continue to fight! Dealing with this was hard for me at a young age but I knew I had the ability to turn it around. Because of my experience with Crohn’s disease, I knew I wanted to help others and I became a nurse. I love helping others. I’m compelled to give back, volunteer, support and educate others about IBD. I was fortunate in 2012 to run the 13.1 Vegas Strip at night with Team Challenge! Becoming an advocate and support for patients and others with IBD is what I love. No one should have to endure this disease. If it means that someone needs to be challenged, to help someone else, I am glad that person is me.
I and have always worked hard to support myself and child, despite what the doctors said. I’m a mom! That is what we do! Besides, I really don’t like to be told that there is something that I cannot do. I have been resilient, some just say plain stubborn, but I refuse to let this disease control my life. Over the years, I have been able to enjoy a few years of remission and live as normal life as possible; this disease has shown me how to be strong.
Unfortunately, my Crohn’s has now relapsed and progressed again. I have had it for so many years my body is no longer responding to the medication cocktails. The medications that I am taking significantly lower my immune system. Due of the many surgeries and Crohn's complications I no longer am able to absorb enough nutrients from food. I have very restricted diet and depend on artificial supplements to sustain and stay hydrated. I will require more intervention soon, but the next procedure is very high risk. Surgery will not change my outcome, but may prolong my life and help relieve the pain.
The disease that brought me to the world of nursing that I love has also taken me away from it. At least in the work place. The docs have made me realize that I am not currently healthy enough to work, my patients are now a danger to me with a compromised immune system. This is very hard for me to accept but nursing has also tought me how important it is to realize my limitations. This may be a Crohn's battle setback, but I will win the war!
In the hopes of helping with relief for medical bills, medications and living expenses; please help Catrina have a peace of mind by knowing some of this burden is no longer as heavy for her to carry. We want her to focus on her health and recovery. She has applied for Social Security Disability but that is a long and drawn out process that can take a very long time to be approved. She is currenly unable to work and has many expenses that need to be covered. Any dontation is a blessing and is deeply appreciated. No gift is too small. She has given so much to so many and has impacted so many without even realizing it! She continues to support, educate, advocate to find a cure for Crohn’s disease.