YOU ARE NOT ALONE

 

I suffered through IBD, more pointedly ulcerative colitis, for more than 20 years!

 

I suffered through the bouts of bleeding, and runs. Going to the bathroom in strange places, dealing with it during vacations and while working. Taking large amounts of Prednisone and walking around with a moon face. Speaking to surgeons about options. Hospital stays and not having enough strength at the end of the day to climb my stairs to go to bed.

 

Coming back from any delibilitating illness or injury can challenge you like never before. Be it Ulcerative Colitis, Crohns Disease or Colon Cancer. Battling the effects of the disease and the after effects of surgery make you feel like it may never end and that you are alone, but I want to assure you, you are not alone. I was only 24 when I was diagnosed with UC. I was a college football player and about to embark in my career as a correctional officer. I had always worked hard, exercised nearly everyday, didn’t drink or smoke and ate well in order to stay healthy, I guess I took my health for granted, I never thought it would happen to me.. but diseases and setbacks happen to good people, of all ages,  like you and me, everyday. If fact more than 130,000 ostomy surgeries are performed every year in the united states alone. This experience is life changing for all of us, and you will never be the same. Your feeling of denial, anger, self doubt, fear of the unknown and frustration are normal. Please allow yourself to go through each step, and remember you are not alone.

 

It makes me sad to think what so many people are going through. Knowing these diseases not only effect your life, but the lives of your parents, your spouses, your loved ones, and your children.

 

When I got sick I was devastated and frustrated and threw many pity parties for myself. I had to somehow come to terms with what was happening to my body, and the quality of life I once took for granted. I learned that life is not fair, we have to learn to deal with our challenge like it or not. You will need to understand that life is worth fighting for, no matter how difficult it may seem. And you will find the inspiration to survive and overcome.

 

Throughout your journey you will be exposed to a myriad of wonderful people. Doctors, nurses, patients and survivors. These are remarkable people who can share stories of horrific medical experiences, and how they came through the other side.  I encourage you to reach out when your feeling down and in need of a positive helping hand, we are all here to help you. I have considered it a privilege to have some wonderful people come into my life because of my battle with UC and CC. Without their support my road would have been a much harder road to travel.

 

You must someday come to terms with what is happening, and at that moment you will become inspired to fight back, embrace all that life has to offer, and will yourself to do everything in your power to overcome. From experience and those experiences of others, that your positive mental attitude will serve you well in times where you may feel frustrated and feel like giving up.

 

 

I want to leave you with a note of humor. This past summer I took my family to Lake Tahoe for a weekend getaway. As I was laying on the beach a lady came up to me and asked if I could teach her young children to fish. I said sure and after a few moments the lady asked about my scar and a told her about my colitis and cancer, and as fate would have it she told me she was a colon/rectal surgeon at the local hospital. Her son asked what happened, and as I began to tell him he interrupted me and said, “hey mister, you should tell people you got bit by a shark”) true story!

 

 

To contact Steve for a speaking engagement at your next meeting, conference or event, you can call (916) 208-5186 or e-mail Steve at www.coachabrams@comcast.net">www.coachabrams@comcast.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colon Cancer Alliance

 

My name is Steve Abrams and I am a stage I survivor.

I was diagnosed after 20 years of digestive issues and numerous colonoscopies. I was a youth sports coach when it happened, and there was nothing I loved more than seeing my players finish each season. When I received the news, I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to see my team play again.

 

I wanted to be tough and strong, but the truth is that I was scared of my cancer. I was uncertain of my upcoming colectomy. I wanted information. I needed support.

 

It was shortly thereafter that I learned about the Colon Cancer Alliance and found the lifeline I needed. Looking back on my time with cancer, I can tell you that screening saved my life, but the Colon Cancer Alliance helped me find the hope to make life worth living. That’s why I’m asking you to help keep these and other essential prevention programs going with your gift:

 

After my colectomy, I realized I wanted to give back to the organization that had given me so much during one of my most difficult times. I wanted to pay it forward. And you can too.

 

With 2014 coming quickly to a close, know that you can make an impact. Help the Colon Cancer Alliance move forward in the fight against colon cancer today with your contribution, and show this disease that together WE will prevail.

Sincerely,

 

Steve Abrams
Colon Cancer Alliance Buddy and Volunteer

P.S. Your 2014 gift to the Colon Cancer Alliance can change the lives of many. Find out if your employer will match your donation here to increase your impact!