Alison's Story
I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when I was 14, and I am now turning 23. The first year was the hardest. During the following summer, I spent over three weeks in the hospital. Previously, I had been a healthy active teenager taking part in soccer and tae kwon do. Going back to school after being in the hospital and on home bound was a challenge. What greatly helped me during this time was a CCFA support group for teens where I was able to meet with other kids who were going through the same things. Going to the CCFA walk-a-thons and bowl-a-thons made me realize that there was a community of people who were working to find a cure for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
I went to Binghamton University as an undergraduate, graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and decided that I wanted to go into a medical field. During two summers at college, I was able to help out at CCFA’s camp OASIS . As a junior counselor, I not only saw the great opportunities provided for the kids, but I myself was able to talk to other counselors about living with ulcerative colitis and going into medicine. Through a program with Binghamton University, I was able to shadow Dr. Toba Weinstein, my own pediatric gastroenterologist, and see gastroenterology from a physician’s perspective.
I am now starting my second year as a physician assistant student at NYIT and expect to encounter further challenges and overcome them. I remain hopeful for a cure and thank all of you for your participation in helping to achieve it.
~Alison Dehler- Barnett, age 23