Yvonne Austin

2010 Great Comebacks^® Award Recipient, Central Region

At the age of 18, Yvonne Austin was a freshman in college, working two jobs and secretly struggling with symptoms she could not explain. A year later, she finally sought medical advice and was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Despite this, she was determined not to let the disease hamper the advancement of her career or active lifestyle.

With a tenacious work ethic and a desire to see the world, Yvonne set out to explore the United States, Bahamas, Mexico, Scotland and Australia. Her adventurous spirit led her to scuba-dive on the Great Barrier Reef, swim with sharks and take up water skiing. However, Crohn’s disease continued to invade her life with painful flare-ups and numerous hospitalizations. After 15 years of managing her symptoms with medications, she consented to a temporary ostomy in 2002, opting for a permanent ileostomy in 2004.

Prior to surgery, Yvonne met with one of her doctor’s patients who also had active Crohn’s disease and an ostomy. She received many tips, including one to name her ostomy. Yvonne went to her mother and said “I guess we need to name this ‘thing’”, and her mother promptly said “How about Priscilla?” While recovering from her surgery she also found comfort in watching the Great Comebacks^® videos profiling the personal stories of other ostomates, and hoped her comeback would one day inspire others.

Yet, it wasn’t Yvonne who applied for the award. Instead, three friends submitted applications on her behalf describing her as a confident and inspirational woman who radiates positive energy and goes the distance for her family and friends. They recalled how she quickly rushed to the aid of a friend’s mother who had received an emergency temporary ostomy.

Today, Yvonne, 44, of Grove City, OH, is a successful mortgage banker and for the past three years has been a nationally-ranked competitive water skier. She also frequently wins longest drive in golfing events, fundraises for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and has volunteered at a local children’s hospital to provide support to parents and children who are living with an intestinal disease and/or an ostomy. “I believe faith, humor and a positive attitude can overcome any adversity,” said Yvonne. “As my ostomy visitor was my guardian angel, I hope to share this philosophy and outlook with others facing a similar situation.”