Emma Wise

I'm living fearlessly this September by participating in the Live Fearless Challenge 2024

In 2021 I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, an incurable autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the colon that can spread to the bones, joints, eyes, skin, and liver. My journey has been a turbulence of pain, uncertainty, and ultimately, a fight for my health that I never anticipated. 

For as long as I can remember, I had a sensitive stomach, but it wasn’t until it got to the point that every aspect of my life began to crumble, and even a sip of water triggered such agonising pain, that I went from “meh” to “probably should investigate”. 

It got to the point where I couldn’t keep anything down; I was losing weight rapidly and barely had the energy to get out of bed most days. As a single mum in this state, I felt like a complete failure, and my mental health plummeted as a result. Within this time I saw doctors that insisted that I had an eating disorder and dismissed my symptoms as anxiety induced.

Fast track to 2020, I was diagnosed with stage IV endometriosis. Following surgery, I was hopeful that my symptoms would subside - everything was coming up Milhouse - yet, they persisted,and eventually I became severely anaemic due to the amount of blood that I was losing with every bowel movement. The weeks that followed as I waited for a colonoscopy were absolutely excruciating, and I feared the worst. When I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, there was a sense of relief, mixed with an intense frustration toward the system that had failed me for years. 

This journey has pushed me to limits that I didn’t even know existed, but in light of this I have gained much resilience, and my perspective of life’s challenges has shifted dramatically.

My battle continues, but I can only imagine the damage that could have been avoided if I had a chance to manage this sooner. This is why I choose to share my story: to fuel awareness and understanding. The money raised will go toward research initiatives, support services, education and advocacy programs, so that others don’t have to endure the gruelling pain, and lifetime effects that come with the waiting.

As part of this challenge I’ll be walking, running, dancing and meditating my way to the 150km finish line - let’s gooooo xxxxxxx