RIDING TOWARDS A CURE
"Even in times of trauma, we try to maintain a sense of normality until we no longer can. That, my friends, is called surviving. Not healing. We never become whole again. We are survivors. If you are here today, you are a survivor. But those of us who have made it thru hell and are still standing? We bare a different name: Warriors."
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My Story: In 2004, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Being allergic to Remicade, Flagyl and Sulfur drugs, pushed me for treatment in other directions. Humira, Cymzia and Stelera were my saviors for several years, giving me a chance to compete with my horse in the Show Jumping world. I had my best years from 2011 to 2013 competing in 42 different Horse Shows throughout the Pa, NY and NJ area. But, my large intestines were getting worse and a decision had to be made. Being I love food, who doesn’t!, Dr Michelassi decided the best move was to remove all of my large intestines, hoping that the disease would stop there and I would have a normal life. Well, not so fast, C-diff hit within 3 weeks and threw me into a whirl wind for 6 months. In and out of the hospital, abscesses and fistulas, drains and setons. Finally, at the end of 2014, they placed an Ileostomy, hoping that the abscesses would begin to heal. It took awhile to get used to the stoma but my determination to get back to work and my horses kept me focused. I rode in a few shows throughout NJ and NY in 2015 and 2016 but the abscesses wouldn’t give up and my body was getting wore down. In September of 2017, I had a complete Protectomy and now my Ileostomy was permanent. Because the abscesses did so much damage to my left butt cheek, I felt that I would never ride again. With the help of Dr. Jason Spector, he took my abdominal core muscle and rebuilt my left cheek, so I could ride again. It has been 12 months now and I am still healing but I am back in the saddle.
For 9 years, I have donated to CCFA over $78,000.00. Each year, around April, we run a Benefit Horse Show and raise money towards the fight to this disease. Everybody’s disease and story is different, but we all have the same common bond, that which we can continue to fight to survive and fight for a cure. This disease may have taken parts of my body but it will never take away my spirit. I will live my life continuing to support CCFA toward their fight to find a cure and give quality of life to each person with this disease. God Bless all of you with good health and happiness. - Jessica Polednak, Show Manager and Crohn's Warrior Since 2004 |
The Showgrounds
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Birchtown Stables - Forest City, Pennsylvania
90x220 Heated Indoor Show Ring with AirFoot Footing by Footings Unlimited. 50x180 Heated Indoor Staging Ring
60 Indoor Temporary Stalls - Bleacher Seating in Show Ring - Meticulously Maintained Facility - WIFI
Visit their website at: www.birchtownstables.com
90x220 Heated Indoor Show Ring with AirFoot Footing by Footings Unlimited. 50x180 Heated Indoor Staging Ring
60 Indoor Temporary Stalls - Bleacher Seating in Show Ring - Meticulously Maintained Facility - WIFI
Visit their website at: www.birchtownstables.com
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Philadelphia Chapter - Team Taking Strides Horse Show 2018 Decade of Difference Award Winner
Team Taking Strides #2 Individual Fundraiser 2019
Team Taking Strides Top Friends & Family Team 2019
Team Taking Strides #2 Individual Fundraiser 2019
Team Taking Strides Top Friends & Family Team 2019
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cures for Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. It was founded in 1967 by Irwin M. and Suzanne Rosenthal, William D. and Shelby Modell, and Henry D. Janowitz, M.D.
Since our founding nearly five decades ago, the Foundation has remained at the forefront of research in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Today, we fund cutting-edge studies at major medical institutions, nurture investigators at the early stages of their careers, and finance underdeveloped areas of research.
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's impact In 2015, the Foundation raised more than $80 million for its mission-critical IBD research, professional education and training, and patient support and education programs.
The Foundation has defined itself by sponsoring the best and brightest researchers over many decades -- seeding the field with studies around the mysteries of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our cumulative investment of more than $267 million has defined these diseases and transformed the clinical management and scientific understanding of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Since our founding nearly five decades ago, the Foundation has remained at the forefront of research in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Today, we fund cutting-edge studies at major medical institutions, nurture investigators at the early stages of their careers, and finance underdeveloped areas of research.
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's impact In 2015, the Foundation raised more than $80 million for its mission-critical IBD research, professional education and training, and patient support and education programs.
The Foundation has defined itself by sponsoring the best and brightest researchers over many decades -- seeding the field with studies around the mysteries of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our cumulative investment of more than $267 million has defined these diseases and transformed the clinical management and scientific understanding of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
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Donate online to our 2020 TAKE STEPS Team! Team Taking Strides Horse Show will be participating in the Take Steps walk in Philadelphia in June 2020 |
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