Honorees

 

  Meet our Honored Teammate

Our Honoree is very special to Team Challenge and is very excited to be a part of the Charlotte Team!

 

Asha Jessup

 

Hi there! My name is Asha Jessup, and I have Crohn’s Disease. I was diagnosed when I was six years old.  I was struggling with joint pain for about a year before then. I started anti-inflammatory medication for several years. In the summer of 2008, I became ill from a case of severe dehydration and I was admitted to Presbyterian Hospital. I eventually missed the first week of school. Shortly afterwards, I started infusions every 6 weeks. Afterwards, my appetite progressed, I suffered from less fatigue, and I started gaining weight, though I still needed a surgical procedure to minimize the rectal abscess I had.  Two years later, the medications stopped working.  I was then put on a subcutaneous shot that I received every week. But about 3 months later, the shot was not holding me. I was then put on a pill that I took along with the shot every week. I am currently still in the midst of a mild flare and I am also still on the shot/pill combination. I currently deal with joint pain, fatigue, and pain in my intestines.
 
I started going to a Crohn’s and Colitis forum group every month to hear other people’s stories about how they are dealing. I joined the Take Steps walks every year and my friends and family also participate.  In 2011, my mother joined Team Challenge and ran/walked 13.1 miles in Las Vegas and raised money for The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. I became her number one fan and I also joined her at most of her training sessions, until my joints began to hurt and I was unable to help her anymore.

Millions of people suffer from Crohn’s and/or Colitis and a cure has not been found yet. Research is still being conducted. Everything that is being done to find a cure is greatly appreciated. As an Honoree, I hope you will feel free to contact me with questions fundraising, training or how I have dealt with the effects of Crohn’s disease. I am confident the money raised will help find a cure for Crohn’s and Colitis, and that you will have a great time along the way!



 

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