So we have concluded IBD Awareness Week 2015. First “business” – Danielle Blocker won the #IBDninja Prize Pack. CONGRATULATIONS DANIELLE! I’m hoping to send that out today or tomorrow, but will definitely let you know. Next…
There are hardly words to describe how I’m feeling at the moment. All I can really say with any certainty is that my heart is full.
This past week was Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week. You may or may not know that this was only my second year to participate since learning of its existence. I know that I really hyped myself up over it. I couldn’t wait to share with you some of the graphics I created and see what other advocates were doing… and let me say, I was not disappointed.
From December 1st through December 7th, we banded together as a community and flooded social media with IBD awareness. We told our stories. We laughed together. We cried together. We hurt together. We fought together. We even prayed together.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease is the most vile of anything I’ve ever had to experience. It’s been the longest of all my trials I’ve ever had to endure. Not only have I personally suffered being a patient myself, but I have also had to watch the people I care about suffer. Friends. Family members. Children. It is because of each and every one of you that I will not stop.
This week, you have inspired me. You have renewed my vigor for IBD awareness and support. I have read your comments and stories and I have been deeply moved. I am so grateful for all of you. I loved reading your stories. Hearing your fears. Hearing your joys. Hearing your pain. Seeing all your posts and stories made me remember why I fight.
I’ve gotten several “thank you’s” for the graphics I’ve made… but you know what? None of this would have been possible without you. You’ve encouraged me. You’ve followed me. You’ve told your stories and shared with your family in friends. It was not me. It was you. I knew that the IBD community were fighters… but you still managed to blow my expectations out of the water. This year’s IBD Awareness Week was an OVERWHELMING success. And it’s all because of you. So THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.
During the rest of December, I’m taking my “Christmas Hiatus” from blogging (for the most part). I’m gearing up for some pretty big things next year. Again, I can’t share with you what they are yet, but as soon as I’m able, you can bet that you’ll be the first to know. I think you guys are going to be really excited for what is in store for the IBD community.
If you have questions or anything while I’m away, please feel free to email me!
And without further ado, I wish each and every one of you a VERY Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a blessed and Happy New Year 2016!
