Volunteering for a cause that's close to you means putting in hours of work for months on end for zero money. But there is a payoff.

When you live with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, you reach breaking points. But you keep going. Today, on World IBD Day, it's important to recognize all that so many have had to endure.

If you've ever wondered what life with a pelvic pouch is like, I think you'll find some answers in here. Also, I've made it to two years with my J-pouch! Yay!

For years, I believed that I was special. That I was working towards something substantial, and that I would be recognized for it. But what I had in my head never really matched what played out in real life.

At 30, I figured I might be able to live another decade or so before facing a mid-life crisis. But it's here now.

I've made some discernible progress since ulcerative colitis claimed my colon, but just because I have a normal-ish life again, doesn't mean IBD isn't still a rampaging beast.

To maintain a reputation of being nice, and to continually please other people, I’ve hidden so much of my true self. And it's making me miserable.

I spent many sad and painful days wishing I could live a normal life, not knowing (or actively ignoring the fact) that normal lives don't offer all that much to the world.

I've taken a lot from this country, and because this country was so willing to give, I now have the chance to contribute to it again.