Jenn Stahl

2011 Great Comebacks^® Award Recipient, East Region  

In Jenn Stahl’s own words, she claims she is not a "super hero." But many people might disagree when learning about her courage and determination in battling against Crohn’s disease for more than 20 years.

When she was only 15 years old and just beginning high school, Jenn found she was having a difficult time keeping up with the demands of school and enjoying time with her friends. Severe pain and almost constant bouts of diarrhea made it impossible for her to enjoy her youth and focus on her plans for the future. And for many months she was too embarrassed to mention her symptoms to anyone. As her health continued to decline, she eventually met with a doctor who recognized her symptoms as Crohn’s disease.

Like so many people affected by digestive diseases, the diagnosis was the beginning of a long battle to improve her health. Over the next 22 years, Jenn underwent multiple surgeries and tried numerous medications to treat her symptoms and the fistulas that developed as a result. The treatment was often exhausting. She eventually developed chronic anemia and experienced drastic weight loss. At one point one of her doctors referred to her as "the walking dead."

As she faced these challenges, she remained dedicated to continuing to live her life. She finished high school and college and was married at age 24. But even as a young mother, her health problems continued to present many challenges. And she says it was the day-to-day challenges that were often most difficult. There were many days when she had difficulty spending time reading to her children or when she was unable to eat with her family because she was in so much pain.

As she faced the challenges of motherhood, she depended on the support of her family, and today she remembers how much it helped. "My mom calls me her hero, but she is the true hero. I can’t imagine seeing any of my children go through what I have been through with Crohn’s disease. She was so supportive and strong the entire time," said Jenn.

After years of pain and treatments that offered only temporary relief, Jenn faced one of her biggest challenges ever. Though she once told a friend that she "would rather die" than have ostomy surgery, when the time came to make that decision she instead chose the option that would improve her quality of life forever. In 2009, while in the hospital being treated for severe pain, her doctor told her that her only option was ostomy surgery. And Jenn said "yes."

Jenn recovered from ostomy surgery with tremendous support from many friends and family members and a wonderful mother-in-law. And as her health recovered, she was able to join her husband Michael and three boys, Max, Wyatt and Quinton, to enjoy many events she had missed. She notes that it was "the little things" that made a big difference in their lives. For example, on the first vacation back to South Carolina they did not need to stop the car at every rest stop along the way. With her improved health, she also became more open and willing to share her experience in efforts to help others.

"My experiences have been difficult to talk about, but I think I’m finally ready. I’m running, playing kickball, enjoying time with my family and friends and just living again," said Jenn.

Throughout her life, Jenn has received support from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (CCFA). Now she is using her passion for running to raise money to support Crohn’s patients and families through the Team Challenge races. In 2011, she teamed up with her sister and a friend to raise $7,000 for CCFA.

"In addition to the joy of running, being involved in Team Challenge has allowed me to connect with other people who share my journey. I am helping others to learn what a blessing ostomy surgery can be," said Jenn.

Jenn lives in Perryville, MD with her family and even two years after her surgery she feels healthier and stronger every day. "I may not be a super hero, but I am so glad to finally be able to play one with my boys," said Jenn.