Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. The disease changes more than health, but the every day lifestyle of the individual. People with Crohn's Disease experience severe pain and sickness that can come out of no where. While remission is possible, there is no current cure.

My best friend, Alyssa, has had Crohn's since 2012. While it was a scary time for her, it finally made sense when she was diagnosed. She was able to put a name to such a horrible and deteriorating pain.

I remember the first time I visited her at the hospital during a flare up. I truly expected to see her in tears, as miserable as can be. When arriving, I had prepared myself to comfort her and provide whatever she needed from me, just to make her okay and put a smile on her face. As I walked into the room, I saw that she was definitely out of it. However, the second she saw me, she instantly broke into a winning smile. Despite the horrid pain she was in, Alyssa was still cracking jokes left and right while quoting our favorite movie, Elf, to make me laugh. She was putting the smile on my face instead of the other way around.

While people may see Crohn's as a weakness, I see a strength. Alyssa has shown me what it means to be strong and how to use that strength to push through obstacles. Not only have I found a best friend in this girl, but a hero and inspiration.

She inspires me to stay strong, even when I want to give up. She inspires me to push through any issue I may encounter, no matter how big or how small. She inspires day after day to be a better person.

I would never say Alyssa "suffers" from Crohn's Disease. I say Alyssa lives with Crohn's Disease while persevering and kicking Crohn's butt.

The first week of December (1-7) is dedicated to Crohn's and Colitis Awareness. During this week, along with every other, spread awareness so that we can help find the cure to this horrible disease. This can be as little as wearing purple at least one day this week.

I will be wearing purple this week for my best friend and the strength she has shown me throughout her battle. Now it is your turn.

Spread awareness and put an end to Crohn's Disease.

Please visit www.ccfa.org/ to learn more about how you can help.