Fixed for a Fix!

Product Description

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Supporters

Cycling has given me many things. I met my wife and started a family through cycling, half of my social network comes through cycling and I work in cycling as a coach. I am also an Ulcerative Colitis sufferer. I was diagnosed at age 19 and have suffered with symptoms for most of my adult life.

Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis are Iife long autoimmune gastrointestinal disorders that commonly present themselves in children, adolescents and adulthood.

Collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the conditions are an emerging global disease, with Australia having one of the highest prevalence in the world.

During a disease flare, inflammation in the colon, rectum and gastrointestinal tract can become so severe that sufferers need to be hospitalised and/or require surgery.

I am lucky. After seven years of living with my condition in flare, I finally found a treatment that has put my colitis into remission. That was 2016. I have since had two flares, however these were contained and only lasted two months. My condition even in remission, is by no means symptom free.

I regularly get crippling knife like pain in my bowel, fatigue is a constant, I often get viruses due to my immuno suppressing medications and I have recently developed sacroillitis (a relative of Ankylosing Spondolytis).

The biggest issue I find with this condition is people’s lack of knowledge of its mere existence. It is embarrassing enough having to tell your boss that you may have to run away to the toilet during your shift but even more embarrassing when your boss gives you a funny look as you try and explain to him your disorder. I’d like to say it gets easier, but it doesn’t.

By riding the Audax Alpine Classic on fixed gear bike, I am turning an already immense physical challenge into an extreme physical challenge. I am doing this to prove to myself and to others that this disease doesn’t own me, I own it.

I am doing this to help raise awareness for Crohn’s & Colitis Austalia. Crohn’s & Colitis Australia do an amazing job in providing services for people who are suffering from these disorders with support groups, telephone helplines and providing useful resources. To continue providing these services, they need as much support as possible. Please donate.

Nicholas Hanson

5 years ago

$50

Elizabeth Newman

5 years ago

$50

Clare Hanson

5 years ago

$50

Rod Scott

5 years ago

$100

Paul Berry

5 years ago

$100

Eveline Campbell

5 years ago

$30

Jason Scheltus

5 years ago

$50

Ben and Patricia Scheltus

5 years ago

$100

Rhea & Jess Harper

5 years ago

$55

Teagan and Adam

5 years ago

$40

Tony Ahearne

5 years ago

$20

Adam Petrzela

5 years ago

$20

Andrew Bottriell

5 years ago

$10

Matthew Scott

5 years ago

$100

Damion de Soto

5 years ago

$37

Fran Pidgeon

5 years ago

$30

Ewen Orr

5 years ago

$500

Jessica McClelland

5 years ago

$20

Rae Lesniowska

5 years ago

$100

Maxine Eyles

5 years ago

$20

Paul Berry

Good on you for taking on this challenge Willo! Do us proud coach!

5 years ago

Andrew Bottriell

Good luck, Billy!

5 years ago

William Howard