Brooklyn Park Family Raises Awareness About Crohn’s and Colitis
Crohn’s and Colitis are inflammatory bowel diseases. Some call them “invisible illnesses.” The digestive diseases impact one in every 200 people. The diseases can occur at any age, but they are more prevalent among teens and young adults.
Brooklyn Park Family Spreads Awareness
Twelve-year-old Aria Love has gone through some tough times. The Brooklyn Park girl was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2011.
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation or sores in the colon and rectum. It also causes bloody, persistent diarrhea.
In August 2013, Aria had her colon and rectum removed. She had to wear a colostomy bag for a few months. Doctors later fitted her with an internal device that allows her to go to the bathroom.
A few year ago, the family was shopping in New Hope when Aria had to go to the restroom. They stopped in a local business and asked to use the bathroom. At first the business told them they couldn’t because it was for patrons only.
Aria’s mom, Jill Love, showed a store manager what’s called the “I Can’t Wait Card.” It allows people with certain medical conditions to use the bathroom in many businesses. It’s part of the Restroom Access Act adopted in Minnesota in 2012.
No Cure
Jill Love now helps to facilitate the Crohn’s and Colitis Pediatric Support Group.
“I would never want anyone to go through this by themselves. So I try to help out and help as many people as I can, even when it’s hard for me,” said Jill Love. “It helps me in the same token.”
About 25,000 Minnesotans have Crohns or colitis. There is no cure for the diseases. For more information, visit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation website
