May 19th World IBD Day.

Oh my, it's been such a long time since I last did a blog!
 To be honest not much has changed.
It's World IBD day today, so I felt I really should do a blog!
I found out at the start of this month that I've been shortlisted (final 7) for the Volunteer and Fundraiser of the year award! So I took advantage and emailed local magazines and newspaper to further spread the word and raise awareness of this condition which I fight on a daily basis!

So today is World IBD day. Still no scars to show. I'm actually a lot better thanks to infliximab, over the last 2 weeks I've managed to increase my diet to include many new foods, including salad!!! I still don't trust spinach, beans, peas, or beef!

I was misdiagnosed with I.B.S 10 years prior to being diagnosed with Crohn's. I actually believe I had Crohn's since early childhood. My growth has been majorly stunted, which is very apparent when you see me amongst my very tall family, but due to coming from a family of giants, I have averaged out in height! I am no longer able to live independently, nor work - I also have POTS (blackouts with no warning on daily basis) and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Raynauds, crohnic fatigue; yes greedy wasn't I!! Instead of seeing it as an end to things, I see my illness as new beginnings - I aimed to set up my own photography business; but instead I am using my creative ability to craft jewellery, cards and many other items which I sell with 100% of the money going to the Crohn's and colitis UK charity! I enjoy doing it, it has become my hobby and i’m doing it for a great cause! My raw materials are my personal donation! (link to my craft page further below). I'm also well known for setting up groups on facebook, so I created an online (closed) UK only https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1882194029306505885#editor/target=post;postID=1719661498847064354support group which has become a major hit and am currently in the starting process of creating an offline Local support group as there are none in my region (Swindon and local areas)! It's not going to be easy, but anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I'm not able to have kids of my own, so am considering adoption one day in the future! There is a lot I can not do; but there is still LOADS of which I can do!!! Don't let crohn's (or colitis) seem like an end, but turn it around and see it as a different approach to doing things. I'm going to live each day as if there is no tomorrow and TOGETHER we SHALL make a difference to all those who are battling this illness. I DREAM for a cure - and dreams DO come true!!! Keep strong, Fight on. Stay positive.
https://www.facebook.com/wolfiescardsandcrafts (page version)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wolfiescardsandcrafts (group version)
http://www.justgiving.com/Wolfiescrafts (my fundraising page)
If you wish to donate via a text message then text CCAC86 £1 to 70070 

My friend Katie even did a picture to show her support for me!

 I saw a picture on the internet with a ribbon today for IBD day, but the ribbon was pixelated and the text said that it is a condition that affects only "a few people in the world". Crohn's and colitis affect very many people... and of course, I thought I should put my photography degree skills to some use! 

Someone today asked the question of what keeps you strong and helps you carry on. Of course, I've already put in my blog the one thing that helps me most! Anyway, here is the picture of her that I took today in order to answer that persons question!

She loves her purple collar, purple tag and purple leash - she wears purple because she is my dog and being my dog has to support I.B.D!!!