On Eagle's Wings: The Inspirational Life of Annie Stites: Crohn's Survivor

Pain was her constant companion-but it didn't define her. Meet Annie. Animal lover. Compassionate teacher. Avid sailor. Charity founder. Crohn's fighter. With her soul mate and husband, Glenn, and their menagerie of rescued animals at her side, she lived life to the fullest, in spite of severe Crohn's disease. Throughout her lifetime Annie had twenty-eight surgeries and the majority of her bowels removed, resulting in an ostomy. She endured months at a time of no eating and no drinking, receiving all of her nutrition through an IV. Over one million Americans suffer from some form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of chronic, life-long conditions including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. For many, a diagnosis is accompanied by a loss of freedom, loss of sexuality, and loss of hope. But-take it from Annie-it doesn't have to be. Whether you suffer from a chronic medical condition or are the picture of health, Annie's story offers valuable lessons on how to tap into the power found in laughter, love, and faith.