Last Sunday I had the privilege of attending my first Top Pledge Earner Brunch. Dani hosted a drive at her elementary school and had a pajama day last year and this is what put her over the top an a pledge earner. Any kid that wanted to wear pajamas donated $1. She raised over $400 and participated in education awareness about IBD in some of the classes. I couldn't have been a prouder mom than at that moment. The money raised on that day along with our fundraising page for gutsy walk helped her achieve top pledge earner status.
Out of pure luck, we happened to sit down with one of Dani’s idol in the IBD community, Jessica (http://uncoverostomy.org/). Maybe being a teen, or probably the frequent trips to the bathroom, Dani never built up the nerve to have a genuine talk with her besides “The eggs taste ok” or “Can you pass the water?” She did at least sit next to Justin, (https://crohnsknows.wordpress.com/) who helped Dani poke fun at me (a teen has to have fun right?).
I found out later there were many IBD bloggers & social media advocates in the crowd (so bummed I missed Eric! http://www.veganostomy.ca/). I hope we can have a forum one day soon where we can connect in person. Crohn’s & Colitis needs more advocacy, more awareness & we are always stronger together!