Finding Strength with Crohn’s: Claire’s Journey

Claire has been navigating life with Crohn’s disease since 2020, a journey filled with unexpected challenges, resilience, and growth. From her early love of sports to adjusting to life after ileostomy surgery, she has learned how to find strength in the small things—like movement, rest, and time outdoors. Continue reading to learn more about how Claire balances life with Crohn’s while embracing the beauty around her.

Morning Routines that Keep Me Grounded

Every morning, regardless of season, I do PT and core exercises (unless things are really hitting the fan), which I have been doing since I broke my hip in 2015 running track. At the time, I was malnourished from Crohn’s disease that we did not know I had yet.

I really love starting my day this way as it helps me ground myself. On days I work, I try to get outside before I go to work, even if it is just a gentle walk around the block, because after work, I just come home and get in bed. On weekends, I love going and exploring new trails and state parks. I live in Salt Lake City, Utah, so I am surrounded by the beauty of the mountains which never fail to make me smile—even if I’m just sitting outside on my balcony.

Life After My Crohn’s Diagnosis

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s in the summer of 2020. It was a mess for everyone, but it was definitely easier to not be able to do anything knowing nobody else was doing anything fun.

I have never been in remission since my diagnosis, so every summer I constantly am shifting plans.

In the summer of 2024, my plans were very drastically changed. I had ileostomy surgery in April in Pittsburgh, PA and subsequently spent a month in the hospital. I then spent a few weeks at my childhood home in Philadelphia before going back to Utah. I had a few weeks in Utah where my health was the best it had been in years, but by mid-July, it all hit the fan. From July through September, I was in the hospital more than I was out of the hospital.

A Cycle of Setbacks

I had a Crohn’s flare, then went home for a day or two before collapsing in my apartment and ending up in ICU with pneumocystis pneumonia.

When I got out of the hospital from the PCP admission, I spent a few days at home before another Crohn’s flare and massive GI bleed. I developed severe sepsis which progressed to septic shock, and a pulmonary embolism during that time period as well.

It was a never-ending cycle that uprooted so many summer plans.

Summer Then vs. Summer Now

As a kid and young adult before my Crohn’s diagnosis, summer was carefree and exciting because it was a break from school. I went to camp, spent weekends down the shore, and got to hang out with friends regardless if it was a weekday or weekend. I would train for soccer and then for cross country.

I loved doing long runs in the mid-afternoon when it was hottest. I had to be ready to race in brutal conditions as well as prove to myself and others that I was a tough competitor and I meant business.

Now, I know that I prove myself every day by being tough in a different way.

Competing with My Body

I no longer do any competitive sports, but I do feel like I am in a competition with my own body on many days. The competition with my body is life-long, not a 20-minute race.

I have learned to accept that resting is productive and helps me to continue winning these battles with my own body.

A New Approach to Sun Protection

Until my Crohn’s diagnosis, I absolutely refused to wear sunscreen. It would irritate my skin and get in my eyes. I never sunburned, so I never really thought about putting it on.

Now, with all my medications—especially the biologics, methotrexate, and steroids—I burn so easily. I wear sunscreen when I think about going outside, and I’ve found products that do not irritate my skin. I’ve still been burned despite reapplying, so I also wear clothes with some UV protection if I’m spending a lot of time outside, as well as a hat.

Why Getting Outside Matters

Regardless of how you are feeling, try to get outside every day—even if it is just sitting outside for a few minutes.

The natural sunlight really helps improve mood and regulates circadian rhythm, as well as offering many other benefits. I know it can be so hard to leave your bed every day, but getting outside can be so beneficial and improve how you feel about yourself.

To learn more about Claire's journey, follow her on Instagram.