Dear Oprah, I am 14 years old. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when I was 9. Usually, Crohn's is inflammation in the intestines causing abdominal pain and diarrhea. However, I have disease in my bones, joints, trachea and bladder as well as in my intestines. There is no cure for Crohn's and it significantly increases the chances of getting colon cancer. My 12 year old brother also has the disease. I have been on steroids many times to treat my disease. Last year, I was hospitalized twice and I missed a month of school. Instead of using steroids again, my doctor gave me the option of going on a liquid formula diet designed for people with Crohn's. I did well for a while, but I am having difficulties transitioning back to food. The formula has been my only source of nutrition for most of the past year. My mission is to educate and spread awareness about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) so that it can be better understood by children, teens and adults. I am very involved with the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). I am the Youth Ambassador for the CCFA. Once people understand what the disease involves, the public will be more willing to help. Some of the things I have done to accomplish my mission include the following: • I lobbied and testified before a Senate subcommittee to pass the Restroom Access Act in Minnesota. (It was made a law in August 2007) • I have lobbied in DC to increase funding for IBD research. • I have shared my story at numerous CCFA ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sER40J5i7Vw&hl=en
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