Charlsey:
  

  Hello!  My name is Charlsey Etheridge.  I have been a Crohn’s patient for 12 years now.  I was diagnosed at the age of 19 during my first year of college.  I knew something wasn’t right about two weeks before my first semester.  I had gone on a vacation with my parents, and unfortunately, spent more time nauseas and running to the bathroom than I did playing in the ocean.  I thought it might have been something I ate, but when I returned home and began college, the symptoms didn’t go away.  In fact, they continued to get worse.  It was another 9 months before my doctor referred me to a gastroenterologist who did a scope and diagnosed me with Crohn’s Disease.  I had never heard of the disease before, but I knew my life had forever been changed.

What I didn’t know was what blessings would penetrate my life because of the disease.  Yes, I have had many physical, emotional, and psychological struggles through the years, including 2 surgeries and numerous hospitalizations.  But I am so thankful to say that through the efforts of an outstanding healthcare team, medical advancements, and self-awareness, I consider myself healthy and fortunate today.  I currently live in Nashville where I teach private music lessons while pursuing my own musical dream. 

I know that my battle with Crohn’s disease is far from over, but I have hope for my future and for others suffering from the illness.  That is why I partner with organizations like CCFA and Team Challenge.  Organizations filled with compassionate people with a passion for a common goal:  to serve those dealing with a chronic illness to hopefully make their life more manageable and enjoyable and to ultimately find a cure for Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis.  I am so excited and honored to be an honoree for team challenge.  I sincerely thank the runners and supporters of this event and want you to know that every step does make a difference. 

Blessings and Health!