Grey Bruce Gutsy Walk set for June 4 in Walkerton

Teams are getting ready to gather in Walkerton for the annual Grey Bruce Gutsy Walk in support of Crohn's and Colitis Canada.

The walk will take place Sunday, June 4, at the Walkerton District Community School, beginning at 9 a.m.

Karen Grubb (above) of Neustadt is the honourary chairperson this year. The 23-year-old is finishing her undergraduate degree in architectural science, project management, at Ryerson University.

"I have had Crohn’s Disease for 12 years, but haven’t let that stop me from pursuing plenty of goals and dreams in all shapes and sizes," says Grubb. "I have learned to cope with my diagnosis and show it who’s in control – me!

"I was 11 years old when I was diagnosed – a two-year process of hospital visits and tests to try to understand what was causing abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and many more unexplainable symptoms. Upon diagnosis, I regularly visited my specialist and kept track of daily medications and eating habits to take control over the discomfort I had.

"At the beginning it seemed easy; I never had any problems with my diagnosis that stopped me from doing anything I loved or wanted to do. I was able to complete both elementary school and high school without any repercussions. I was involved in many extracurricular activities, including student council, yearbook, and multiple event co-ordination. Outside of school, I enjoyed spending all of the time I could with friends and family.

"University began in a similar fashion; I moved into residence, met lots of new people, and really made the most out of my program. By the end of the first semester and throughout the next four years, however, things were different.

"My Crohn’s symptoms had begun to take a toll on me with stays in the hospital at least once a semester and implementing new strategies for keeping my symptoms at bay while I struggled through school. By the time I finished my third year of university in April, 2015, I went into surgery to get ahead of the inflammation.

"Following my surgery I took on a 16-month co-op placement for school which allowed me to be at home with my family and friends for an extended recovery period while continuing my education.

"I am now back at Ryerson, feeling better than ever since surgery and in my last semester of my undergraduate degree. I could not have made it here without support from my family, friends, doctors, and nurses, and without the personal dedication and motivation to get where I am.

"For all of you out there struggling to cope with the downfalls of Crohn’s Disease, my message to you is to keep fighting and don’t let it stop you from living the life you dream!"

Organizers of the Gutsy Walk urge everyone to join the event, as a participant or as a donor. "Together, we can make it stop. For life."

Locally, Team "It's All Gone To Shitz", with members from Ripley and Kincardine, is taking donations for the walk. Members include Kathleen, Erin and Dana Ackert, Emily Lotton, Gail and Ron Lotton, Harold Maurer, and Patricia Crow.

The team urges people to Be Gutsy!

"Sunday, June 4, our team will be GUTSY, walking alongside more than 23,000 walkers across Canada to help stop the pain, multiple surgeries, and missed moments.

"One in 150 Canadians live with Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis - a rate that ranks among the highest worldwide. Even more alarming is the rate at which children are being diagnosed: Crohn’s Disease has doubled in children under the age of 10, since 1995. Families new to Canada are developing Crohn’s and colitis for the first time – often within the first generation.

It takes guts to make it stop. Help make it STOP by making a donation today. Every dollar you donate counts toward Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s investment in transformational research, patient programs, advocacy, and awareness so that every child and adult with these diseases can live life to the fullest, and ultimately, be cured.

To donate to "It's All Gone to Shitz," check the website at: crohnsandcolitiscanada.akaraisin.com/Pledge/Event/GroupHome.aspx?seid=13282&mid=82&sgid=2666