Eve Crossley

I'm living fearlessly this September. Will you support me?

I was originally diagnosed with IBD (irritable bowel disease) a few months before I turned 21 in 2017. Without sounding too dramatic, it drastically changed my life. I spent close to five years being incredibly unwell - I was super under weight, extremely fatigued, barely able to function as a person and my mental health suffered massively. I couldn’t hold a job, and my uni studies dragged on and on because I simply didn’t have the energy to dedicate to work or study. I became a frequent flyer of the emergency department, having an emergency visit every 4 to 6 months due to the pain I was experiencing. 

After almost five years I was put on a very new medication that finally worked. It has given me my life back these past three years. I have energy, a good job, and am able to see friends and even workout without it draining me completely.

When I was first diagnosed I felt very alone in what I was going through. I’ve since made friends and found a community of people who also experience IBD. I’m walking 150kms this September for 20 year old Eve. To raise awareness to this disease in the hopes that those who get diagnosed will not have to feel alone and scared in the ways that I did for so many years.

I’m taking on the Live Fearless Challenge this September to raise awareness and funds for the almost 180,000 Australians living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

IBD is one of the most misunderstood chronic health conditions. Yet people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are ‘frequent flyers’ of the hospital system. It strips away income, disrupts education, work, relationships and travel, and can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health.

That’s why I’m getting active this September and aiming to complete 150km. Every kilometre is for the thousands of people living with IBD who face this in silence.

Consider supporting me as I take on the LFC! Your donation will help fund research, patient support, education and advocacy - because no one should have to manage this disease on their own.