Unbreakable Spirit: How Chronic Illness Fuels Unstoppable Athletes (Featuring Brandy's Story)

Those of us with Crohn's disease learned early on how to fight. We have had to fight through the pain, fight to be heard, and fight to keep going. We have earned the title, "IBD Warriors." There is a toughness that is inherently innate within us. We often hear about the challenges of living with a chronic illness – the fatigue, the pain, the unpredictable flares. And trust me, we know those struggles all too well. But what about the incredible, often unseen, strength that living with these conditions forges within us? The sheer grit, determination, and resilience that allows us to push boundaries most "healthy" people wouldn't even dream of. That's what I want to talk about today, specifically through the lens of being an athlete with a chronic illness. Because, let's be real, when your body is constantly battling itself, lacing up your running shoes or jumping into a pool feels like an act of defiance, a triumph of spirit over circumstance. And no one embodies this more perfectly than my friend, Brandy. Meet Brandy. She also has Crohn's disease (among other chronic conditions), but there is so much more to her. She's a veteran, a podcast queen (Living Chronic), an athlete, and in my opinion, a total BADASS.

Brandy has always been an athlete. When I say "always," I mean it. Running was her happy place, her escape, her constant. In fact, it was during her training for the iconic Marine Corps Marathon in 2013 – a race she absolutely adores – that the whispers of something more serious started to become undeniable shouts. She'd had vague symptoms since 2006, even during her time in Afghanistan, chalking it up to a passing bug or just "runners' GI issues." But during her marathon training, things escalated. Imagine this: you're out on a long run with your buddies, pushing through the miles, and suddenly… emergency. Not just once, but two or three times during a single long run, she'd have to peel off, desperately searching for a tree or a porta-potty. Her usual 4 AM starts became impossible as she'd be stuck in the bathroom for hours, often having to switch her runs to the evening.

This wasn't just a bad day; this was her life becoming defined by a debilitating unpredictability. Finally, she made that crucial appointment with her doctor, leading to a referral to a GI specialist. And that's when Brandy received her diagnosis: Crohn's disease.

Now, getting a diagnosis like Crohn's can feel like the end of the world, especially for someone whose identity is so tied to physical activity. But Brandy was lucky. She found an incredible doctor in Dr. Jeffery Laczek, who didn't just treat her disease, but genuinely supported her athletic aspirations. He became a true partner in her journey, doing everything he could to help her continue living the life she loved. It was with Dr. Laczek's unwavering support that Brandy decided to sign up for her very first triathlon – the Ironman Augusta 70.3 – after her diagnosis. She could always count on him for encouragement, and she'll never forget the day he called her, excitedly asking if she'd seen Kathleen Baker, another Crohn's patient, win gold at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. That's the kind of doctor we all dream of having – one who celebrates our triumphs and believes in our capabilities.

Running had always been Brandy's solace. No matter the stress, the challenges, the chaos of life, running made it better. And even with Crohn's, running and triathlon had the same profound effect. The Crohn's diagnosis wasn't just a physical battle; it deeply impacted her career. Her inability to leave the house in the mornings meant she couldn't get to her classified intelligence work. As her Crohn's worsened, her career struggled, and she eventually had to make the devastating decision to give up the job she loved and find work she could do from home. It was heartbreaking. But continuing with her running and pursuing triathlon allowed her to feel whole. It gave her an outlet, a sense of accomplishment, and brought her immense joy during a time when so much of her life felt anything but joyful.

Taking on her first Ironman event (and her first triathlon!) right after her diagnosis was challenging and scary. But that goal became her focus. It allowed her to channel her energy, to think about what she could accomplish in the face of terrible health challenges, rather than dwelling on what she couldn't. She made it to Ironman Augusta 70.3, and she finished in an incredible 6 hours and 1 minute. An absolutely monumental achievement!

But the race itself was a testament to her tenacity. She'd had to learn to swim in open water that year and battled intense panic attacks. At her first triathlon, Luray Olympic, she had a massive panic attack and was the very last person out of the water. Did she quit? Absolutely not. She pushed through the race so fast that she ended up getting 3rd place in her division! After that, she immediately signed up with an open water coach and truly conquered her fear to finish Augusta.

Even during the race, Crohn's didn't just vanish. She still had GI issues, but with careful planning and working with Dr. Laczek, she had a strong race strategy that allowed her to overcome both the Crohn's issues and her fear of the water. Finishing a 70.3 race in under 6 hours is a huge accomplishment, and getting so close after overcoming panic attacks and only buying her first road bike six months earlier? That's just mind-blowing.

We often hear about the physical benefits of exercise, especially for those with Crohn's. But for Brandy, the true victory is in the mental health boost. There are many things she can no longer do, and so much has changed in her life, but crossing that finish line, no matter the time, makes her feel invincible. It doesn't matter if she runs a half marathon in 1:45 on a great day or over 2 hours when she's not feeling so good. The time isn't the point. The point is that she's out there, doing things with her body that perfectly healthy people can't accomplish. And that, she says, feels monumental. Even with her ongoing battles – now diagnosed with dysautonomia, small fiber neuropathy, and POTS – getting outside, feeling the joy of running, and clearing her head always makes her feel better.

Brandy's story is a shining example of the incredible strength, resilience, and sheer willpower that defines so many of us in the chronic illness community. It's a reminder that even when our bodies feel like they're betraying us, our spirits can soar.

Her husband, Steve, is her rock, always there to support her. She's so grateful for her entire support system, but especially Steve. (Here are Brandy and Steve at T2 at Ironman North Carolina – a powerful moment of support after a brutal bike leg with high winds, reminding her exactly why she does this.)

So, whether you're navigating a flare, adjusting to a new medication, or simply trying to get through the day, remember Brandy. Remember her relentless pursuit of her passion, her refusal to let Crohn's dictate her entire life, and her incredible triumphs. We are not just survivors; we are thrivers. We are athletes. We are resilient. And our strength, forged in the fires of chronic illness, is truly something to behold. What's your story of pushing boundaries despite chronic illness? Share it in the comments below!