Young and Unafraid: Living with an Unstoppable Illness – No Shame Needed
Embracing Strength and Courage in the Face of Crohn’s Disease
19 is a fun but difficult age. You don’t have major responsibilities yet, but often struggle with self-image and insecurities. You’re getting to know yourself.
And yet, when I compare my teenage years to those of 19-year-old Aimee Rouski, I can say that it was relatively easy for me.
From the outside, Aimee looks like any other 19-year-old, but she’s sick. She has Crohn’s disease.
Aimee kept her secret hidden under her clothes for a long time. This way, she could hide all the external signs of her illness.
Crohn’s disease is a gastrointestinal disease that causes many symptoms. Some people experience severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, while others may have more serious symptoms.
In Aimee’s case, the disease almost cost her life. When she was 15, doctors had to remove her colon and rectum, forcing her to live with an ileostomy.
Having no colon or rectum, she has a small opening in her abdomen through which waste leaves the body in a bag.
This operation involved taking muscle tissue from her thighs, resulting in large scars on the inside of both thighs.
Aimee has accepted her illness and everything that comes with it, but she knows that many others do not. She is aware that many try to cover up their illness due to shame and insecurity.
Now she wants to raise awareness about the issues of Crohn’s disease to help more patients of the disease stand up for themselves.
This is what she wrote on Facebook:
“No one will know unless you tell them. People who know will still love you and find you beautiful. Your illness is nothing to be ashamed or insecure about.”
Aimee explains that the ileostomy bag has never bothered her because she knows it makes her feel better and maintains her quality of life. Everyone who knows her is aware of her bag, and she is no longer ashamed of having it.
Aimee’s honest Facebook post has been shared over 20,000 times, and she is thrilled with all the positive feedback she has received.
“I’ve received different messages from people saying that I’ve taught them something, inspired them, given them more confidence, and taught them how to love themselves more. That’s nice to hear.”
I find Aimee incredibly strong and brave for sharing her story so publicly. Help us spread Aimee’s important message so that others don’t have to feel ashamed of whatever illness they may have. Thank you for your courage, Aimee!
