Introduction:
Hey all, it’s Curtis and I’m coming up to my 1 year anniversary of having my colon taken out on February 26 and I haven’t posted an update in about 3 months so I thought I’d fill you guys in!!
Curtis’s Surgery Anniversary:
So my last post was in November and I figured it was time to give you guys a little update. I had an awesome time during the holiday season. It was much better than 2010’s holiday season when I was struggling with UC (before I knew it was UC) so I had a great time with friends and family being healthy and being able to eat all of the good food that comes with the holidays.
I’ve been surfing a lot, playing soccer a lot and am starting to train for the Kona half marathon benefitting the CCFA which is June 24! If anyone wants to do this thing then that would be sweet. I’m trying to get some of my friends to do it with me too so that it’ll be more fun. It’s through the Team Challenge company and the meeting for me is this coming Saturday, this is where I’ll find out all of the information on fundraising and training and what not. Here’s the website for anyone who’s interested! https://www.ccteamchallenge.org/
I’ve never done anything like this and I figured it would be a good one to start with because it hits close to home because of everything I’ve been through last year (and it’s in Hawaii!). Anyway, if anyone else wants to do it let me know and we can meet up!!
Another UC’er who lives in Atlanta
and just had the surgery recently,
him and I are thinking about
setting up a Stand Up Paddleboard Event
to raise money for the CCFA this summer too
so stay tuned for information on that!
I have a part time job and I recently got an internship too so I’m definitely keeping busy and getting my life back! I work at a program called School in the Park as a facilitator and it’s an awesome job. The program works with 2 inner city elementary schools and busses different 3rd-5th grade classes into Balboa Park to have their class in different museums each week. It’s really cool because the kids have the opportunity to go to all of these cool museums and learn things in a hands on way unlike if they were just in a classroom at school.
I just got an internship with RAEN sunglasses and I am BEYOND stoked about it. I’ve been working hard for years now trying to get into the action sports/surf industry and this could really be my chance to get in there. I start on Tuesday and the office is right across the street from the beach in Encinitas, how cool is that?!?! I can’t wait to work hard and learn a lot of new things about the business and expand my network and potentially get a full time job!
Well that’s my little update. I can’t believe that a year ago I was 115 pounds and on my last days. Everytime I see my scars it reminds me of everything I’ve been through and how hard it was and it makes me appreciate life just that much more. I HOPE that anyone who reads this and is struggling with UC will know that surgery is a VERY REALISTIC option. I have been able to get my life back and I am doing everything I used to do before I had UC again which is amazing. It doesn’t even feel like I’m missing my large intestine, but it’s crazy to think that I don’t have one anymore!
If you’re struggling, please know that surgery isn’t the end of the world, but the start of a new life!!!
Medicatons: NONE
written by Curtis
submitted in the Colitis Venting Area
Curtis is a young guy who developed a very rapid case of severe ulcerative colitis symptoms in early 2011. Shortly afterwards as when medications were failing to solve his problems, he had only one option left which was surgery, and he is hanging in there and doing great. Curtis is an expert soccer player and has his own line of T-Shirts he creates too.
