Shari

A fitness lover, Shari completed a half triathlon at 62. But nothing has tested Shari more than her lifelong battle with ulcerative colitis (UC).

One foot in front of the other

Shari had symptoms off and on for most of her life: blood in her stool, discomfort, and frequent trips to the bathroom. For years, she chalked them up to diet and stress. Fear and denial held Shari back from seeking care until she realized she spent more time in the bathroom than any other room. That’s when she sought help.

Shari’s family doctor referred her to a specialist who conducted a colonoscopy and diagnosed her with UC. Shari almost felt relieved to finally have a name for what she was going through. But she didn’t realize UC was a chronic disease.

Shari navigated periods where she struggled both physically and mentally. Eventually, her doctor helped her find a treatment that worked for her, and her symptoms became manageable. He also suggested a Pilates or yoga class to help with her stress.

My disease was simply winning. No amount of telling myself how much weight I could lift in the gym or how far I could bike or swim was helping.

Go Shari go!

While fitness wouldn’t cure her UC, Shari fell head over heels for Pilates. The discipline and focus appealed to her, and she got certified in both personal training and Pilates. But after her mother died, her symptoms came back, the stress and grief taking its toll. Her UC had progressed.

With the support of her family, and a commitment to prioritizing her health, Shari was able to work with her doctor to find the right treatment for her. Soon after, she began feeling better and eventually, she achieved remission.

Shari is determined to stay focused, keep working with her doctor, and find ways to manage UC. She knows the importance of diagnosis, treatment, and self-advocacy—and that living with UC is about staying in the race.

On the days I feel sick, I look at that triathlon medal that I hang from my bath towel rack and say, ‘Hey Shari, come on. Look what you did.’

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