14 Year Old Navigating Australia to raise funds for Crohn's

I’m Byron, a passionate 14-year-old pilot with 40 flight hours under my belt. I have a mission to fly around Australia to raise funds for a Crohn's organisations and Queensland Children's Hospital. My goal is to help find a cure so that people with Crohn's can enjoy life without constantly worrying about their health.

I have personally overcome the challenges of Crohn's disease and am now dedicated to my passion for flying. If I can achieve this, I believe anyone can overcome their obstacles too.

In addition to supporting Crohn's research, I am also raising funds for Queensland Children's Hospital to create a dedicated teenage ward. This will provide teens with a peaceful and quiet environment during their hospital stays, helping them recover and feel more comfortable.

I'm proud to say that the vast majority of the funds raised will go directly to these charities and initiatives. A small amount will be used for fuel and landing fees. Your support will make a significant difference in the lives of many.

Thank you for helping make this mission a reality!

Follow my journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenpilotdownunder_official/

Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJhL7J0lFCT8OdohoX_BVA

ABOUT CROHN'S

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a wide range of symptoms and complications. When Crohn's disease affects teenagers, it presents unique challenges and problems:

Growth and Development:

Teenagers are in a critical period of growth and development. Crohn's disease can impair this process due to malabsorption of nutrients, leading to delayed puberty, stunted growth, and underweight issues.

Psychosocial Impact:

The disease can significantly impact a teenager's mental health, causing anxiety, depression, and social isolation due to frequent hospital visits, dietary restrictions, and the unpredictability of symptoms.

Academic and Social Life:

Frequent absences from school due to flare-ups or medical appointments can affect academic performance. The need for constant bathroom access and dietary restrictions can also interfere with social activities and peer relationships.

Transition to Adult Care:

Managing a chronic illness requires transitioning from paediatric to adult care, which can be challenging for teenagers. They need to adapt to a more independent role in managing their health.

Prevalence of Crohn's Disease:

Global Prevalence: Approximately 3 million people in the United States and around 2.5 million in Europe live with IBD, which includes Crohn's disease. The prevalence varies globally but is increasing in many parts of the world.

Teenagers: While exact numbers for teenagers are harder to pinpoint, it is estimated that around 25% of Crohn's disease cases are diagnosed in individuals under 20 years of age.

Complications and Impact:

Complications:

Intestinal Blockages: Chronic inflammation can lead to scarring and strictures, causing blockages that may require surgery.

Fistulas and Abscesses: Abnormal connections between the intestine and other organs or tissues can form, leading to infections and other complications.

Malnutrition: Poor nutrient absorption can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, affecting overall health and development.

Osteoporosis: Long-term inflammation and steroid use can weaken bones.

Increased Cancer Risk: Long-term inflammation increases the risk of colorectal cancer.

Impact on Daily Life:

Physical Symptoms: Persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss can severely impact daily activities.

Mental Health: The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with its physical symptoms, can lead to depression and anxiety.

Financial Burden: The cost of ongoing medical treatment, hospitalisations, medications, and dietary needs can be substantial.

Quality of Life: Chronic pain, fatigue, and dietary restrictions can diminish the overall quality of life and limit participation in normal activities.

Conclusion:

Crohn's disease in teenagers is a significant problem due to its impact on growth, development, and psychosocial well-being. With millions of people living with Crohn's worldwide, understanding its complications and impacts is crucial for improving management and support for those affected. Comprehensive care that includes medical treatment, nutritional support, and psychological counselling is essential to help teenagers manage the disease and maintain their quality of life.