Phoebe Giustra

Why this challenge is close to my heart

This one is a pretty personal challenge for me and I am so excited and nervous to share it with you all. 

In the last 6 months I have navigated the healthcare system, doubted myself and struggled through not knowing what was wrong with me. I have recently been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. It is an autoimmune disease affecting the gut which currently has no cure. I have had to make some pretty drastic lifestyle changes and commenced on medication which could be lifelong. After celebrating my 30th earlier this year this is not how I pictured the year to turn out. The diagnosis was both devastating and a relief. Initially I was in such shock that I cried for a week. In other ways it was such a relief. I had answers and I had a plan to put in place to start feeling better and feel myself. Since commencing on medication and making these lifestyle changes I am honestly shocked to reflect on how awful I felt within myself for the last 6 months. I truly thought that that was how I was going to feel for the rest of my life and that it was "turning 30" and just being a busy mum to two kids. 

This is personal for me as I have suffered some pretty severe fatigue and setting this goal and motivating myself to keep active is so important for those suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. 

I’m getting active to achieve 150kms and raise awareness and much needed funds for Australians living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

As I challenge myself to reach these goals during September, it would really help me to know that I have your support. If you can rally behind me with even a small donation, it would motivate me through the month and keep my spirits high.

All proceeds go towards Crohn's & Colitis Australia's support services, research initiatives, education and advocacy programs for the Crohn's and colitis community.

Lots of love 

Phoebe xx