Zack's Story
My name is Zach Jaffe and I am 14 years old. Four years ago I was diagnosed with Crohns disease. In February 2004 I had started losing weight and experiencing stomach pains so I went to my pediatrician who suggested I do some blood tests. The tests revealed that I was anemic and I was referred to a gastroenterologist to further examine my condition. After numerous appointments and invasive tests it was confirmed that I have Crohn’s disease. I was devastated, as was my whole family. I had no idea what it entailed and immediately expected the worst; I asked my parents if I was going to die. My family and I knew nothing about the disease. We all became quickly educated with the help of CCFA.
After being diagnosed, my life stayed relatively normal. I still played sports and hung out with my friends, the main difference being that I tired very easily. I didn’t have much of an appetite and my mom was constantly chasing me with food trying to get me to eat!
Since being diagnosed I have had to go to the gastroenterologist once every two months to get weighed, measured, and have my blood taken. I still dislike doing this.
I started taking the medicine Pentasa and it worked right away. I felt better and I grew ½ inch in two months. Everyone was very excited. About two years later I had flair up and I stopped growing. My gastroenterologist added 6mp to the 9 Pentasa pills I take everyday. In December 2006 I saw an Endocrinologist and after many appointments and tests it revealed that I am growth hormone deficient. I now take 10 pills for the Crohns in addition to a shot of growth hormones every single day. This past year I have grown 5 inches and I have not experienced any flair-ups.
My life, as well as the lives of everyone who has Crohns and Colitis, has been greatly improved through the years because of all the money that has been raised. With your continued support and great efforts I hope that we can find a cure and that we make this disease a thing of the past.
~Zack Jaffe, age 14