A Journey of Hope, Faith, and Healing

Hello, my name is Nicole and I am a survivor and fighter living with Crohn's and colitis disease. Living with a chronic illness is very difficult. It affects so much of our lives emotionally, physically, mentally and also spiritually. One day you can feel like you are Super Woman, and the next day you can't even get out of bed.

I've had my share of highs and lows

But, in the beginning I was lost, depressed and felt like my life would never be worth living. I didn't always consider myself a Warrior, because I was diagnosed at a young age (16) and didn't understand what my body was going through or how to live with it. I remember the days of wondering why I had this happen to me, and crying to myself that it would just go away. I was afraid to tell my friends, scared to participate in outside activities. No one really knew but my family and even they didn't understand my disease. Then once I realized that it wasn't going to leave and was now a part of my life, I started researching and understanding my new life. I was now in my 20s and Crohn's and Colitis was no longer unknown. It was being seen on TV, online, and in doctors offices. I stopped letting my disease take control of my life, and started living life the best way I could.

Surgery saved my life

The wear and tear from Crohn's and colitis on my body eventually lead me to have several surgeries to remove damaged organs. Living with an invisible disease makes you look one way and inside you actually are fighting against so much that people can't see. There are days when my body is in so much pain and discomfort that I can barely move. I used to get so upset, because I couldn't run around with my son outside like I wanted to when he was little. My body has been through so much and sometimes I push myself over my limits to get through the day. I'm 40, a mother of one amazing 11yr boy who is my Miracle! I was told I wouldn't be able to have children when I miscarried my first son in 2004. I've had 7 surgeries and my colostomy surgery saved my life!

I am a living testimony of how AMAZING GOD IS! I AM A WARRIOR AND I AM TRULY BLESSED! No matter what disease you have, remember YOU STILL CAN LIVE AND NEVER STOP FIGHTING! MY GLOVES NEVER COME OFF, AND I WILL KICK CROHN'S AND COLITIS BUTT TIL MY TIME IS UP?????