Gutsy man raises awareness for Crohn’s and colitis

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This article was published 30/05/2016 (3724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It takes a lot of guts to speak up about bowel-related conditions.

Garden City resident Aaron Yanofsky knows the challenges first hand as he aims to raise awareness and funds for the Gutsy Walk for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.

Yanofsky will participate in the fundraising event on June 5 in Quebec City since he will be in the area for a conference. It’s the first time he’s has been well enough to travel since he underwent several surgeries for ulcerative colitis. With this inflammatory bowel disease, the autoimmune system attacks the colon, which causes ulcers to form along its inner lining.

Now 27, Yanofsky first noticed symptoms seven years ago. Since then, he has undergone an aggressive treatment plan that includes steroids and cancer medications to help control his immune system. He also tried taking injectable drugs and participated in studies for experimental drugs, but nothing seemed to be working.

Over a two-year period, he ended up undergoing a series of three surgeries to remove his inflamed colon and reconstruct a new bowel.

“It’s been a bit of a rough couple years for me. I spent Christmas and New Year’s in the hospital. I’m on the mend, but it’s a lifelong condition. It’s something that I’m always going to have to keep monitoring and keep my eye on,” Yanofsky said.

“There is still a bit of a stigma behind inflammatory bowel diseases. It’s one of those things that gets pushed under the carpet and no one likes to talk about it. People hide behind it. I’m using my experience as an avenue to raise some awareness and get people talking about it and understanding what it is.”

With a renewed zest for life, Yanofsky is working full-time and pursuing a career path to become an actuary. He is also maintaining a healthy weight and is able to play on several sports teams.

“It’s been a learning experience and really life-altering. Any time you get a chronic disease, it just shifts your viewpoint and your outlook on life,” he said.

“Now I’m on two softball teams and I also play soccer. It’s not even about whether we win or lose. I just take in the moment and enjoy the fact that I’m out there playing. It’s a revised perspective that I have on everything.”

Yanofsky is grateful for the ongoing support from his family and friends. He also appreciates the donations and pledges towards his participation in the upcoming Gutsy Walk, which will also take place in Winnipeg.

“The community support that I’ve received has been outstanding — from friends, family, co-workers, past professors, past teachers, sporting teams,” he said. “Everyone has come together to help me out.”

To make a donation towards the cause, visit www.gutsywalk.ca, click on “Donate Now” and search for “Aaron Yanofsky.”

Funds raised go towards a campaign to help raise $100 million by 2020 to invest in research, patient programs and advocacy.