For those unaware, I've been managing my Crohn's disease for over 10 years.

(diagnosed at 18 & just turned 29)

This has included partial colon removal, wearing various tubes surgically inserted in my pelvis and experimenting with a variety of drug therapies, some old and some very new in this field of medicine.

For the past 13 months my disease has been aggressive, persistent, and unresponsive to treatments. Maintaining a healthy bodyweight, getting quality exercise, and doing the work I love so much in Life Enrichment activities with seniors of our community have not been possible.

I'm now at a point in this journey where the only viable next step is Ileostomy surgery, a procedure that will reroute my digestion through an opening in my abdomen with a bag on my side.

Will it be permanent?

Maybe.

That's all I got.

It's something I've been afraid of for a long time and prayed would never be part of my experience with the progression of this illness, but it is time.

At first look such a thing seems further disabling, but this will change the trajectory of my health as it is and ultimately change my life for the better. I'll be able to ride my bike again, build strength and reclaim so much of my life that's been on pause for way too long.

The timing sure stinks- my time on state disability has expired and the system to pursue further assistance is very slow moving. I had hoped to attempt returning to work part time to get my basics met while continuing to try different treatments but recent complications in my condition are developing with alarming speed.

A lesson I've learned the hard way more than once is that we all need help sometimes, and that asking for help is okay, though it often isn't easy. So, I do so ask now of my community- friends, family, and anyone willing to be of support while I recover. Any contribution of any size at all will help me cover my basic costs of living and focus on healing.

I really believe this surgery will save my life. I just need some help

With the deepest gratitude,

And so much love

Ryan