Diagnosed with perianal
Crohn’s disease at just 13, Wynne (pronounced: Win) has had a challenging pathway navigating school life in between monthly trips to the BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver, surgeries and recovery, and negative reactions to disclosing her chronic illness.
That, however, hasn’t hold her back in living her life to the fullest. Wynne recently was awarded a $5,000 national scholarship from
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada for her academic aspirations and positive impact on the Canadian inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) community.
Congratulations on your scholarships Wynne! For people not familiar with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, can you share a little bit more about the award?
Thank you! Struggling in school with my Crohn’s diagnosis and treatments, having that national recognition and knowing I have so many people and peers supporting me, means so much.
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s
AbbVie IBD Scholarship Program annually awards $5,000 scholarships to 15 students living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis to make it easier for them to pursue their post-secondary studies and passions.
In addition to this scholarship, I was also selected by the Shard family for the
Clinton Shard Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship honours their son and brother Clinton for his legacy of positivity, advocacy and community work. Reading about him, his family and how he inspired others living with IBD, I felt we’re very similar. Receiving this honour from his family is truly amazing.
You’re a vocal champion and advocate for your peers in the IBD community. What motivated you to use your own experiences to help others?
When I first got my diagnosis, I was really shy and anxious about it. I feel a lot of people don’t know what Crohn’s disease is, and as a result, they might diminish or question the symptoms, pain and treatments. That happened a lot to me in high school. It was really hard on my mental health with classmates not understanding why I’d miss school or homework.
Luckily, my disease is better managed right now. My ostomy bag has been a life changer as it massively reduced the manifesting of abscesses, and the surgeries required to get rid of them. There’s such a stigma around Crohn’s disease and these bags; my experience hasn’t been anything like the horror stories I read online. Inspired by Tiktokker and Ostome Fashion co-founder Paula Sojo to destigmatize ostomies, I decided to turn to TikTok as well to share my story and educate others.
And you became a mentor for young girls living with IBD.
Yes! Ostomy Canada Society organizes a
youth camp every year for kids aged 9 to 18 who have ostomies or other related needs and conditions. As a “late” birthday kid, my 16-year-old self got put into the younger girls’ cabin. First, I was bummed but soon I realized it was such an amazing opportunity to share my experiences with them and help them overcome their insecurities.
I’ve also participated in the Vanderhoof/Prince George Gutsy Walk (CCC’s largest annual fundraiser event) since 2020 and was Honourary Chair in my first year. I was born and raised in Vanderhoof and the community there has been so supportive. Over the years, I’ve raised over $62,000 for the BC Children's Hospital through silent auctions and other events.
Since my diagnosis, I’ve been in the hospital a lot. Countless admissions and many overnight stays, sometimes weeks at a time. There was this one nurse who, after I got a brutal surgery for my ostomy bag, came in and braided by hair. After a week of not eating, getting up or showering, I felt like a human again. I vowed to become like her. It makes all the difference in the world to have a nurse that genuinely cares about you, validates you, and treats you like a person.
I could have gone south for my study; it would have also been easier with my health situation. But I didn’t want my illness to determine where I’d go to college. Plus, I love the north! Studying at CNC allowed me to stay close to my family and friends while still getting quality education. I also enjoy the free tutoring services and I’m happy with the accommodation to take my tests in the Academic Success Centre. That way, I don’t have to be worried about dealing with tummy noises or other symptoms, and I can focus on my study and becoming the best nurse in the North.
“In a way, Crohn's is giving back to me. All that I've been through isn't for nothing. I’m going to stay true to the promise I made in the scholarship application: making a positive change and becoming a local nurse.”
What are you hoping to do upon completing your four-year degree at CNC and UNBC?
Because of the severity of my Crohn’s disease, I couldn’t get the health care in my own community. If something was going on, I had to travel 10 hours to the emergency room in Vancouver. I want to change that by working and providing better health care here in northern B.C. I’d love to become a pediatric nurse to provide care to children facing health challenges. Or perhaps I’ll specialize in pain management to care for patients with acute or chronic pain. The nursing career opportunities here are infinite!
Did you know that… labour market forecasts expect close to 25,000 job openings between 2023-2033 for registered (psychiatric) nurses? That’s the most of any care occupation!
Due to the high demand of health care professionals, successful graduates of CNC’s School of Health Sciences enjoy a 94% employment rate in jobs related to their program.
Curious to learn more about CNC’s Health Sciences programs? Visit our program pages or speak to a Future Student Advisor.