At the age of 8, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. I grew up on steroids and other medications which stunted my growth and caused me to gain weight. I constantly was tired and had no motivation to participate in sports, which I loved. As a child, I never imagined I could even run a mile with my medical condition, so I gave up sports and joined the drama club. After graduating college, I had a fresh perspective on life, now living on my own for the first time. I knew I was the only one responsible for my life and that I would need to take charge and not let my disease control who I was. I began to work out, slowly at first to test the waters. Then one day I ran a whole mile. I never looked back and realized through running, I’ve never felt better. Physical activity actually keeps my disease in check and keeps me feeling good. I’m running the National Marathon half marathon to prove to myself that I can physically and mentally be a runner. Even with a chronic illness, I am running because deep down, I have the body of a healthy person and can mentally get myself to the finish line.
