Who Am I?

I am a person of great contrasts, I've been told.  At one time you might see me belting out a number in the fall musical....and the next time, I could be wearing safety goggles working in the pit of my high school's all-girl robotics team.  My interests fall from one end of the spectrum to the other.

Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being on the stage, and, throughout the years I have had many opportunities to do so...in musical theatre, glee club, orchestra, a cappella choir, handbell choir, liturgy singers and dancers, and dance recitals.  But when I started high school, my engineering side came through. The world of robotics invaded my soul. 

Robotics is a different stage. It's where teamwork and know-how meet and join forces. The task of building a robot to perform a certain set of goals in six short weeks from scraps of metal in the leaky basement under the convent attached to our school...well, it's quite exhilarating!

I am a girl with some contrasting interests, who will be just as thrilled playing the lead of Toffee in Zombie Prom this fall as I will be using a drill press to build the next generation of competition robot come January

            Crohn's Disease, it is not contagious and it is not very sexy when it comes to chronic, lifelong conditions, but it is part of what makes me, me.  I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 2005 after drastically losing weight and constantly being sick and in pain.  It was impossible for me to have even a bite of oatmeal before becoming sick.  As soon as I was diagnosed, my family and I were put in contact with organizations specifically for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).  I joined the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (CCFA) right away; that was one of the best decisions I have ever made.  After being stabilized with diet and medication, I became instantly involved with the organization.  In 2007 I was asked to serve as Youth Ambassador for the Philadelphia/ Delaware Valley Chapter of CCFA. Speaking at various events, raising awareness about IBD and funds to find a cure is an honor I truly embrace.  Aside from this position with the CCFA, I captain a team for the annual Take Steps walk held in May and attend a one-week overnight camp for kids and teens with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (Camp Oasis).  This past summer, my 7^th year at the camp, I was a Leader-in-Training and will return as a counselor.  This one week, though it may seem like just another summer camp, is the highlight of my year and I can honestly say I am a much different, and better, person because of it.

Crohn’s Disease is a HUGE part of my life.  I know that I would be radically different without it and would not change a thing.  I may have Crohn’s Disease, but it does not have me.