FAP runs in my family. My dad has it and passed it down to my sister and I. We knew from a young age that FAP was going to be a large part of our lives. At 10, I had my first colonoscopy, and found out my colon needed to be removed that summer. At 14, the disease spread into my rectum, and I needed surgery to remove my rectum and have a temporary ileostomy placed while my J-pouch healed. At 18 and newly in college, I was in my dorm room shower and my small bowel flipped. Due to adhesions from previous surgeries, my bowel was unable to return to normal, causing a physiologic bowel obstruction. I then had another temporary ileostomy placed as I healed for the remainder of my freshman year and had it reversed once again. Now, my FAP has remained medically stable since that surgery, with appointments every year at the Cleveland Clinic to monitor for any future complications.

My story is different than most people my age. Healthcare is a large part of my life, and the care I’ve received has inspired me to go back to become a nurse. I’m set to graduate in May! I like to think FAP is not a hindrance in my life, but a disease that has helped me to become stronger and ultimately figure out my purpose in life!

In my younger years, I really struggled with FAP making me different and weird. I felt different than my friends, and struggled with body image and mental health at an early age. As I’ve moved through life, while those struggles are still present at times, I’ve found that my experiences have shaped my ability to better engage with other peers and with patients that I care for. At first, I saw FAP as something that would make my life difficult, and while that has been true at times, I think it has helped to shape me into the person and caregiver I am today. I graduated with a Psychology degree, and will soon have a nursing degree. I have FAP to thank for helping me find my passions, strength, and future career path.

I want those that are younger that have FAP to know that, while life may look a little different, it doesn’t mean it will hold you back. It may give you different life experiences that makes you unique, individual, and have a new outlook on life.