Today we live in a world where it is common to have strange health problems. Medical advancements have led to longer life expectancy, and people with diseases and illnesses like cancer and strep throat and the common flu that were once killed by these diseases at an alarming rate now have a much better chance of survival. However, with these medical advancements comes new challenges, such as stronger and faster mutating viruses and illnesses.

At any rate, living with any illness is a struggle. We live in a fast-paced world where if you fall behind you get left behind, and you are always replaceable. I can tell you that it is hard. My mom has lived with Crohn's disease for 13 years, and I have seen her battle ill-informed doctors, dietary changes, and even herself. For those who don't know, Crohn's disease is an auto-immune disorder where the immune system sees the lower intestine as a foreign object in the body that needs to be destroyed. Your own body attacks the lining of the lower intestine, causing inflammation and innumerable complications. It is a debilitating disease that requires a strict, healthy diet, lots of sleep, careful monitoring by doctors and, in the more severe cases, surgery to remove parts of the lower intestine.

My mom is strong. I know she wishes she could enjoy ice cream with us, get a beer with us, dig into double chocolate brownies with us. I know she hates going to bed before the sun sets just because she knows her immune system needs rest just so it can continue functioning well. She still takes care of our family and is a doting mother and wife. She is strong and accomplished, and she always seems to know what to do. I have rarely seen her break down, and she always has a positive outlook on life, though she still thinks realistically.

To anyone who knows someone living with a similar disease, just know that they need your support and positivity. Even if they are strong, like my mom, there will be days it seems the world is testing them, that their body can no longer handle the stress that is being placed on it. There will be days they just want to give up, stay in bed, and try again later. On those days they will need you. They will need you to encourage them, to help them in any way you can, even if that just means making dinner or cleaning the house. Sometimes they will just need to cry, and all you can do is give them a hug and let them cry on your shoulder.

The most meaningful moment I had with my mom was on one of those days. She had had enough, and she was so stressed out that she just cried. Not just an escaped tear here and there, but actual flowing tears. She sounded just like I do when I cry. I hugged her and told her it was okay, that she didn't have to be so tough all the time because it didn't mean we would love her any less. Her Crohn's had been bad then, and she only weighed about 120 pounds. At 5'10", that's underweight. I remember she felt so fragile, so thin, and I wondered how long my mom had been holding this in. That was the only time I have ever seen her really cry.

Sometimes it's all you can do to comfort someone with a chronic illness, to just hug them and let them do what they need to in order to get back on track. It's not easy for either of you. You don't want them to suffer, they feel it's unfair they have to endure the pain. Although it is a struggle, and often an uphill battle, it is not impossible. You can be that support, and I can tell you that they will appreciate it more than they can express.

So for those of you facing chronic illness like my mother, I'm sorry, but know that you are not alone. You have the support of your family and friends, as well as others going through the same thing. Tell them what you need from them, and I'm sure they will be more than willing to step up to the plate.

For those of you helping those with chronic illness like me, thank you, and know that you are appreciated. It's not easy on either end, and the appreciation may not always be explicit, but it is there. The best you can do is be supportive and encouraging.