Overcoming Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Young Australians in Sport

In Australia, an estimated 180,000 individuals live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Among these, around 5,240 are children and approximately 21,590 are young adults aged 19 to 29. The debilitating nature of IBD often hinders participation in everyday activities, including sports, which many take for granted. This article explores the challenges faced by young Australians like Sienna Warren, a 15-year-old diagnosed with severe colitis, and how they navigate their passion for sports in the face of an invisible illness.

Sienna Warren's journey began two years ago when she was diagnosed with severe colitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the large intestine. Since her diagnosis, she has been confronted with a myriad of challenges, including fatigue, brain fog, and social stigma. “I still get pretty bad brain fog that interferes with school, and fatigue which interferes with activities I want to do,” Warren shared. “I love crafts, I love singing, I love dancing, but I just can’t. And it’s hard to do sport in school.”

According to the latest State of the Nation Report published in 2023 by Crohn’s & Colitis Australia, 21 percent of adults and 18 percent of children with IBD reported severe difficulties or were unable to participate in sports. This statistic highlights the significant impact of IBD on the lives of young Australians.

Warren emphasizes that IBD is often misunderstood as an “invisible disease,” stating, “We’re looking at disabilities in school, but all the disabilities they’re looking at are visible disabilities.” Her experiences underscore the need for increased public education regarding the challenges faced by individuals with IBD.

Despite the obstacles, Sienna connects with peers globally through her Instagram account, @thatgirlwithibd, where she shares her journey and encourages others to embrace their differences. “Don’t let people take away your joy just because you’re different,” she advises.

Dr. Greg Moore, an Associate Professor and gastroenterologist at Monash Medical Centre, emphasizes the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle for IBD patients. “With the right treatment, there’s no reason you can’t exercise with Crohn’s or colitis,” he said. Exercise has been shown to be an effective therapy, helping to manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life. Dr. Moore explains that exercise acts as an anti-inflammatory, which can combat fatigue—a common symptom of IBD.

Another young athlete, 12-year-old Steph Cassar, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis two years ago but remains passionate about sports. “I didn’t know what to think at first. I was really, really sad. I thought my life would change, and it has, but it’s not as bad as I thought it would be,” she reflected. Cassar plays indoor cricket, AFL, and indoor soccer, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to her athletic pursuits despite her condition.

Cassar’s mother, Louise, highlights the challenges posed by societal perceptions of IBD. “When Steph gets out there and plays footy, she’s just like all the other kids. She doesn’t feel like she’s different,” Louise noted, bringing attention to the social dynamics that complicate the lives of children with chronic illnesses.

Gabriella Lay, a 25-year-old diagnosed with Crohn’s disease during her high school years, has also faced her own set of challenges. “The pain is how I got diagnosed through dancing, so going back to it was quite nerve-racking,” she said. After undergoing surgery in 2018, Lay is now in remission and actively participates in dance classes once more, showcasing her determination to reclaim her passion despite her diagnosis.

Both Sienna and Gabriella's experiences illustrate the emotional toll of living with IBD, as well as the societal stigma surrounding it. While awareness is growing, there remains a pressing need for further education and understanding of invisible diseases such as IBD. As Lay stated, “It’s not a very glamorous disease... there’s definitely a stigma around it, but I think part of talking about it is what de-stigmatises it.”

In conclusion, the experiences of young Australians living with IBD reflect a broader narrative of resilience and the importance of support systems. As they navigate the complexities of their conditions while pursuing their athletic interests, these individuals not only advocate for themselves but also pave the way for greater awareness and understanding of invisible diseases.