I'm living fearlessly this September to raise awareness and funds for IBD!
I’m Rhiannon, a 30 year old mother of 2 and wife to Shannon, and I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2012 at the age of 18. I had my large bowel removed in 2022 and then needed to have my rectal stump removed and anus sewn shut in 2023, meaning I now live with a bag of shit on my stomach (also known as a permanent ileostomy).
This is my second year of taking on the Live Fearless Challenge (and my second year of taking it on with an unhealed proctectomy wound - Crohn’s disease really is the gift that keeps on giving!).
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has changed my life in every single way imaginable and affected every single aspect of my life, and that is why it is really important for me to raise awareness and funds for this absolutely shit of an invisible illness that affects 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.
