Let's Go For a Walk

     I don't know about you guys, but I believe that every single person goes through various challenges in their life. I think that everyone has obstacles that they must face and that no one truly has an "easy" life. Some people are better at hiding their struggles, while others share their every concern with whoever is willing to listen.
       I know, it seems kind of early in this blog for my posts to become super personal, but I trust you guys. I don't talk about my "problems" often, I don't look for pity and I'm usually more interested in listening to other peoples issues, and trying to help them out, to be honest.
       Looking back though, I feel as if my problems, my tribulations, are what made me into the (young) woman that I am today. And, yeah I'll say it... I'm pretty proud of the person I have become.

      I was in third grade when my mother was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Obviously, at that age I had no clue what that meant. I don't think anyone truly knew. I won't get too detailed...it's not really my story to share. What I will say, is that throughout her battle with this terrible (incurable) disease, my mom has shown more strength and courage than any one else I know. Watching my mom fight for her life was pretty hard for me to deal with, and God knows it wasn't easy for anyone in my family. But lucky for us, my mom is a fighter and even though she can't be cured of Crohn's, she is still able to live a happy life, and I couldn't be more grateful.

      I would do anything for my mom and I know that she feel the same about me. Several months ago, I was looking for fun 5k races to do and I came across a walk in Baltimore, that even though wasn't a race, I knew that I had to participate in.

    This past weekend, I asked my mom how she felt about coming up to Maryland on June 14 to join me in a walk, called Baltimore Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis. Of course, she said she would love to come. I started a team (we're still working on a catchy name), and we're all registered to walk in a few weeks! If you want to read more about my mom's story, if you feel like donating or even joining us for the walk on June 14- follow this link!

   Living 7 hours away from my family is tough. I worry about my mom on a daily basis. Crohn's is an unpredictable, unruly disease and although I know that there is nothing that I can really do to help her if she has a relapse, I still stress about her. I do feel that the fundraising and planning for the "Take Steps" has helped to relieve some of that stress though. My mom also shared with me today that she was asked by the director of the "Take Steps" organization to write a 5 minute speech, discussing her battle with Crohn's during the walk! I'm incredibly proud of her and I can't wait to see her up on stage sharing her story.

I love you mostester, Mom. I'm so proud to be your daughter. <33