It was my first fundraising experience. A friend first told me about this event in 2014 when it was covered by CTV and I made a promise to myself that I would participate if possible in 2015.
Emailing friends and asking for donations was scary. I did not want the world to know about my condition yet I really wanted to share my struggles with those around me. I drafted out my personal email and didn't set a very high goal for myself. But slowly I exceeded my fundraising goal again and again.
I'm not sure how effective my message was to those around me as I have no way to measure. But for the ones that donated their time, their money, or their kindness towards me, you have no idea how much your love means to me. They now knew that they had a friend who had an extra struggle they did not know about before.
When you are down, it is very easy to think that you are all alone in this world. But if I look up and shouted for help, I was surprised to see many that were still there by my side. Not everyone can show you they care the way you would. Many people are uncomfortable talking about it because they simply don't know what to say.
Whats great about the Gutsy Walk is that its organized by Crohn's and Colitis Canada, an organization that I personally volunteer for. I can see the money raised going towards Camp Got2Go, a camp for young kids and teen with crohn's and colitis. Going towards bathroom apps to help us find bathrooms a little easier. Going towards webinars to educate the public. Going towards pamphlets available at doctors offices that will give newly diagnosed patients a resource. Going towards funding for research for new medication to help patients achieve and stay in remission. And going towards research to ultimately find a cure.
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