To the Moms Who Support Their Children in Their Journeys With IBD

Nothing compares to a mother’s love for her children and the support and comfort that comes with it — especially when her children need her the most.

That’s why in honor of Mother’s Day, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) asked its Facebook community to share memories of the times their moms supported them in their journeys with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The responses are beautiful reminders of the power of a mother’s love, and that you’re never too old to need your mom — or thank her for all she does.

Here’s what they had to say:

“My mom has held my hand, wiped my tears, picked up prescriptions, prayed with me, prayed for me, researched and learned to put on a brave face when I’ve needed her to. She stayed with me at the hospital after my resection surgery and truly means it when she says she wishes she could take this all away for me. She will never know how much her love has helped me day to day.” — Ashley Woodring

“My mom was my advocate when no one would believe my symptoms, pains or words. She fought for me every step of the way and took me to every appointment, infusion, blood draw, shot, procedure, scan, scope and the latter. She is my number one supporter and the reason I found out about the CCFA in the first place.” — Nina Zoraida

“She has stood by me through some pretty hard times, encouraging me to be strong and never lose my faith. She is the one who understands what I go through, my flare-ups, pain, mood swings, meds’ side effects, etc. I thank God for having her on my side. Thanks Mom, I love you so much.” — Maria Mergal

“I was finally diagnosed a year ago, and she’s been with me every step of the way. She’s driven me to the ED and numerous doctor’s appointments. She took me and my guinea pig in for over a month while I was too sick to live on my own. She listens when I call, even in the middle of the night. She also drops everything when I call for emergency help. She never complains about helping me or listening to my problems. She also gets mad on my behalf, like when the emergency room doctor came in after finally doing a CT scan and said, ‘You really are in pain.’ She was so angry at him, but did manage to restrain herself. She’s my support, and I love her.” — Alayna Bonse

“She fought for the care I needed in the early days. She literally blocked the door of my hospital room to force the GI to stop and talk to her and answer questions (in 1977), [and] found a better program when I got out. Every time I got seriously ill or had surgery, mom would come stay with my wife and take over chores, drive her to/from the hospital, cook, etc.” — Richard Dietzel

“My mom has been there every step of the way! Through all my surgeries, flare-ups and good times too! She has helped me raise my three children because there were definitely days I couldn’t do it and has never complained, never asked for anything in return. She is stronger than strong! I could never repay her, there’s not enough money in the world. I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t have her. I love you the most, Mom!” — Mindy Summitt

“She was with me right up to the moment when I was taken through the surgery doors when I had my bowel resection done. I was in bed for eight weeks after surgery, and she was the one to help me get out to bed to go to the loo or have a shower, to dress me, to feed me, to put another DVD on for me and look after my horses for me when I couldn’t… Without my mum, I wouldn’t have been able to get through it all on my own. Thanks for everything, Mum.” — Renae Fabri

“My mom has Crohn’s too, as does my younger brother (my older brother died of the complications of type 1 diabetes) and my dad had ulcerative colitis. My mom, who was a nurse for nearly 45 years, has been instrumental in helping me feel like I am going to be OK and that I can make it through even the worst, most painful flares. Her loving care has seen me through a lot of trauma in my life, and her healing touch has helped countless people over the years.” — DeAnn Rossetti

“My mom took me to so many doctors who all gave me different diagnoses. Finally, she had reached the end of her rope and started raising hell at the hospital, hoping someone would finally believe that there was something really wrong with her daughter. Someone did, and I was diagnosed, going from near death to in remission in just a few months. I like to tell people that my mother gave me life twice because of what she did. I’m so lucky to have such a loud mama!” — Kristin Slonsky

“She accepted it for me before I was ready to. At times when I felt like giving up or like my world was crumbling down, she’d put aside her own baggage and comfort me through the pain. Her hugs and kisses would remind me that love and joy were my best weapons against the grief and misery this disease brings about. Even today, 19 years after it all began, she calls me at my new home to ask how I’m doing and suggest home remedies she and my dad find online! Her support has been priceless on this odyssey. It would have been even more painful to endure this without her.” — Veronica Carmona

“My mom is my advocate, always kindly demanding my doctors do more than just the average. She’s there with me during every hospital stay, keeping a journal so I can look back to see what occurred. She’s there to babysit me when I’m released from the hospital (I’m 44!). Brings me meals, groceries, runs errands, cleans my house, makes sure my husband and daughters have everything they need and prays her heart out for me. Thanks, Mom, I love you!” — Dana Peetz Ryder

“My mom has been my rock. She has been the shoulder to cry on, the voice of reason, the pick me up, the ear for me to vent, the everything to my anything, my best friend. I wouldn’t have it any other way!” — April Beard

“My mom drove 90 miles to be with me when I had my first colonoscopy and endoscopy to find out what was going on. She then came back on the day that I had my first Remicade infusion. My little brother has Crohn’s disease as well and was diagnosed 16 years ago. He had to have surgery two years ago to remove his colon. I was diagnosed almost four years ago. My mom has been tough as nails through it all.” — Michelle Gross

“My brother and I both suffer from moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. Since his diagnosis in the mid-1970s and my diagnosis in the late 1980s, throughout our participation in many clinical medicine trials, and our numerous hospitalizations and surgeries, our mom encouraged us and remained strong for us. Her love kept us going, and I for one was able to live a ‘normal’ life. Unfortunately Mom passed away from colon cancer in 2005 and nothing has been the same since.” — Lori Saltzman

“I still wonder to this day how she did it. All the hospital stays, sleepless nights, medical bills, worry, fear. But what I do know is that I would never have survived without her. Thirty years of undying love and support. Thanks, Mom.” — Roseanne Angeloro

“My mom has always been my number one cheerleader in my journey through Crohn’s! She was the first to stay with me all day and night during each and every hospital stay as well as every doctor appointment. My mom got me through the worst ups and downs ever! In the very beginning of 2015, my mom lost her battle to cancer. As I struggle through the breakthrough of my very first biological medicine Remicade, and all of the trials and errors to try and fix me, I realize how much my mom was the best support I can ever have. Besides missing her every day, I miss the best cheerleader any daughter could have during all of the challenges as a Crohn’s patient.” — Robin Lyne Perkowsky

“I was diagnosed with Crohn’s when I was in college, but I was sick for a long time before it. I remember being sick and tired in college, and I would call my mom crying to tell her I couldn’t do it. She would calmly reassure me from the other end. She always told me that I was strong and could get through it. I didn’t believe her, but I graduated with honors. Thanks to her. I live far from home now, but she is still always there for every hospital stay. I never even have to ask her to come. She hears I’m in the hospital and she’s on the next flight. I’m thankful for everything my mom has done to support me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.” — Shannon Collins Adams

“My mom has been by my side every step of the way, from my first emergency surgery at age 19 until today at age 39. She was instrumental in getting me set up with my GI doc who finally, after years of surgeries and hospitalizations, diagnosed me with Crohn’s. She has been there for me through every hard time when I felt like giving up. She was with me when I found out I would have to have a hysterectomy, and cried with me as I grieved over losing my lifelong dream of being a mother. She drove through an ice storm to come to the hospital at 5 a.m. when I called her from the ICU crying because I thought I was going to die. She prays for me every day. She celebrates every little improvement with me, be it a good lab report or having three ‘good days’ in a row. She encourages me when I am down and has helped me through some very low times. I don’t know what I would do without her. Because of her, I am proud of the woman I am today. I love you, Mom.” — Farrah Fults Dolbey

“My mom is an RN and from my diagnosis, she had always supported me with research and suggestions on lifestyle. So when I was hospitalized due to severe UC, she took two weeks off work to stay with me, and she translated all the medical mumbo jumbo. My husband (then fiancée) and I are so grateful for my mom because I probably would have died or be much worse off without her.” — Erica Prond Hernandez

“When I was so sick eight years ago, my mom moved heaven and earth to get me the best treatment possible. She’s always there for me.” — Nicole Ido

“My mother was and still is my first support. When I got sick, nobody believed in me and the pain I felt. They thought it was all in my head, and I was too exhausted to fight, so she took the battle and fought till they found out I have Crohn’s disease. I was only 18 years old at that time and I had no clue how my life would turn upside down. She’s been and is amazing. Every time when I am too sick to take care of myself, she takes care of me. I’ve been unlucky, but also lucky. I haven’t had any surgery, but most of the meds have failed me. My mother has given me hope every time when things are rough. I really admire her and her strength to not fall apart, but to fight with me through all the pain and tears.” — Kaja Benedicte Schöttker

Editor’s note: Some answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.

How has your mom helped you through your journey? Share with us in the comments section below.