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Kimberly Wilburn #NY-4

A REASON TO PEDAL

In August of 2003 I arrived at Bowling Green State University as an extremely excited and somewhat anxious freshman; not so different from every other freshman on campus.  To my surprise, however, soon I would begin to experience many things most freshmen do not. Along with the ordinary assignments and classes, I had to deal with extreme stomach pain, unusual weight loss, and a lack of energy. 

Finally, after being misdiagnosed twice, I was told that I had Crohn's Disease.  Numerous medicines were prescribed to me and my diet drastically changed.  It took many months until we finally found Remicade; an IV treatment which has allowed me to become the old "Kimmy" again!

Although I still make frequent trips to the bathroom, I am now full of an energy I did not possess my first year in school.  I have exceeded my personal academic expectations and I have learned to live a balanced healthy lifestyle.  Despite the hardships Crohn’s Disease brought to my life, I am proud to say I will graduate from Bowling Green in May of 2009 with a BS in Middle Childhood Mathematics and Language Arts Education.

I have chosen to proactively live my life and not let Crohn’s Disease inhibit me.  This summer I will ride 210 miles for those who are unable to do so.  The roads covered and the hills climbed will be a tribute to all that I have overcome these past four years.  I ride with the hope that someday, when an eighteen year old freshman is diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, he/she will be offered a cure.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND KINDNESS! :)

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WA: The official information relating to Get Your Guts in Gear, Inc.’s financial affairs is available from the Secretary of State, the toll-free number for Washington residents is: 1-800-332-4483; out of state residents can call (360) 753-0863.