I am performing at a great science-based storytelling show next week on Wednesday May 18th. It's called "The Story Collider" and it's hosted by Ben Lillie. I'll be speaking about my battle with Crohn's Disease over the last few years. I've never publicly spoken about this before and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous as hell. I mean, some things are personal, but this is really personal. As much trepidation as I'm feeling, I'm actually quite excited to get it all out there in the open. People suffering from Crohn's have a suicide rate three times higher than the general public. Much of this stems not only from pain, physical limitations, and drug side effects, but also from the amount of shame and secrecy around the condition. It's this fact that keeps reminding me what a great opportunity I have in speaking to people about this insidious disease.
As heavy as all of this sounds, the story is quite funny and full of silver linings, which I'm always reminding myself to recognize lately. I've always loved the saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." So I will literally be attempting to make verbal lemonade before your very eyes and ears. After all, doesn't a spoonful of sugar make the medicine go down?
I hope you can join us.
http://storycollider.org/shows/2011-05-18
For more information about Crohn's Disease:
http://www.ccfa.org/info/about/crohns
