Day 2, Stage 2
Monaco - Brignoles 187km
Unfortunately we couldn’t meet all of the TX Cell team last night because we got in so late so we caught up with David, who is co-ordinating the Mont Blanc climbing project, for a hearty pre-ride breakfast. It was possibly one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had, not because of the great food but because of the extremely positive conversation and great contacts we made. David is going to throw a party for us in Nice after the ride where we will meet all of the members of his climbing team and we also had a great discussion about other post-ride prospects. It was such a positive start to the day.
As we rode half of Stage 2 yesterday we only had half to go which was quite helpful as I am feeling so sick at the moment.
Hopefully some more interesting updates in days to come (I am just too tired at the moment)! Please read our Crohn’s Fact and Profile below.
Crohn’s Fact
Crohn’s disease occurs when the full thickness of the intestine becomes inflamed. Crohn’s can also occur along any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus.
Crohn’s Profile
Name: Andrew
Age: 43
Lives: New Westminster, BC , Canada
Age of Diagnosis: My son at 18mths
OUR Story:
Our family has been living with IBD for 41/2 years. Our family consists of myself, my wife, and our two sons. Our youngest son, Nathan, was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis when he was just 2 yrs old. He is now 6. For over 11 months, local doctors, our local hospital emergency department, mistreated and misdiagnosed Nathan’s condition. On demanding a specialist, we went to BC Children’s Hospital where their GI’s put Nathan through tests including an endoscope which resulted in January 2006 with his diagnosis. Since this date, we have twice needed to “up”his drugs to bring him back into remission. He’s a tough little guy and always upbeat, except when blood tests and needles are concerned!!
His bout on steroids to get him in remission 18mths ago was horrific. Scary mood swings, massive weight gain all compounded the problems, but he came through and since then, has only had minor flares.
Our whole family has altered our diet, we watch what we all eat. Nathan is a good barometer for us Since 2006, Nathan has raised over $19,000 for the CCFC (Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of Canada) to help fund research to find a cure. We are very thankful for the living angles that work at BC Children’s Hospital, at the CCFC including the over 5,000 volunteers nationally, our sponsors, supporters and all those directly and indirectly who share our trials.
I implore you to volunteer with your local charity which is dedicated to helping others with IBD. We can all help Damian by generously donating on the Crohn’s Crusaders site as well as telling others about his incredible feat of raising awareness and funds for IBD. He is an inspiration to all of us who live with these diseases everyday…..GO DAMIAN! Thanks for your help and support of Crohn’s Crusaders!
Today’s images can be viewed here
Sponsor Profile:
Sponsor Name: Abbott
Sponsor Level: Support Partner
Sponsor Website: www.abbottaustralasia.com.au
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. Abbott Australia and New Zealand employs more than 500 people, all here for the people we serve in their pursuit of healthy lives. Abbott focuses on breakthrough science to develop effective treatments and solve unmet medical needs.
