14YO pilot flew Australia, now prepping for world flight

Thank you for helping make this mission a reality! All welcome to visit me on my trip - like healthcare, this is a team effort, and you are part of our team.

I’m Byron, a passionate 14-year-old pilot with 50+ flight hours under my belt. I have a mission to fly around Australia to raise funds for Queensland Children's Hospital Foundation and Crohn's research. My goal is to help find a prevention or cure so that people with Crohn's can enjoy life without constantly worrying about their health (and where the nearest bathroom is).

My crew: Rod Flockhart (instructor), Jeni Langdon (mum), Rob Waller (dad).

One of my medical crew, a Gastrointestinal Doctor at Queensland Children's Hospital.

Earlier in 2024, just before my diagnosis, this was nearly a weekly occurrence for me. Thankfully, that's no longer the case, all thanks to the incredible medical team at Queensland Children's Hospital—my heroes!

I met my buddy Liam at Queensland Hospital School, and he was like a little ray of sunshine on a pretty dark day. He got me out of bed and zoomed me around the hospital in my wheelchair for hours, even skipping a bit of school to hang out while I recovered from surgery. What a true pal!

Much younger me, they used a lot of meds to keep me alive. For that I am thankful.

Younger me...

Me then...

Me then again...

Me now.... Thanks to the Queensland Children's Hospital, I have personally overcome many of the challenges of living with Crohn's disease and am now dedicating my time to my passion for flying (instead of being sick). If I can achieve this, I believe anyone can overcome their obstacles and achieve their dreams.

Where will the funds raised go? I'm proud to say that the vast majority of the funds raised will go directly to Children's Hospital Foundation and supporting Crohn's valuable research. It's important you know that a small amount will be used for the plane hire, 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 impact any part of the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms like bleeding, diarrhoea, weight loss, delayed growth, fatigue, joint pain, and abdominal cramping. In teenagers, Crohn's poses unique challenges:

Growth and Development:

During the critical growth phase of adolescence, Crohn's disease can disrupt nutrient absorption, resulting in delayed puberty, stunted growth, and underweight concerns.

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 as we are still young in so many ways. They need to adapt to a more independent role in managing their health.

Prevalence of Crohn's Disease:

In Australia, the prevalence of Crohn's disease is estimated to be around 29.3 per 100,000 people. In children and adolescents, the incidence is lower but rising. Around 800-1,000 children and teens are newly diagnosed with Crohn's disease each year. This growing trend reflects the increasing awareness and recognition of Crohn’s disease in younger populations. The rate of Crohn's disease diagnosis is increasing in Australia, particularly among children and adolescents. This rise is attributed to improved awareness and better diagnostic tools, leading to earlier detection, alongside environmental and lifestyle changes such as urbanisation, altered diets, and shifts in gut microbiota associated with a Westernised lifestyle. Additionally, genetic predisposition and family history are playing more significant roles as the prevalence of Crohn's grows. These factors combined are driving the upward trend in Crohn’s diagnoses in Australia.

Complications and Impact of Crohn's:

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 diarrhoea, 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.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW

Support this mission. While my mission to fly around Australia is more than just a personal challenge, it’s a call to action for everyone to support Crohn's disease research and the Queensland Children's Hospital Foundation. Crohn's impacts countless lives, especially young people who face unique challenges as they grow and develop. By raising awareness and funds, we can help drive research toward prevention and a cure, giving those affected the chance to live without constant health worries. Your support directly contributes to life-changing care and research. Let’s work together to improve the lives of those living with Crohn’s. Join me on this journey and help make a difference! Please consider donating now, even $1 can make a difference.

Thank you!

Byron Waller - aka Teen Pilot Down Under

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