There are moments in life that define you and set the course for who you are going to be. Sometimes they are subtle moments. Sometimes, they are big moments that you never saw coming. No one asks for their life to change, but it does. It’s what you do after that defining moment that shows your character. That’s when you find out who you are, what you want to experience, and who is near and dear to your heart.
My name is Brett and this is my story. I am 27 years old. I’m your average guy. I work hard repairing computers for a living. I am a son, a brother, a husband, and most recently a proud father. I spend my free time enjoying my family, playing golf, and having fun with friends. Now I add Crohn’s Disease to my list.
In short, Crohn’s disease is a lifelong affliction that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, causing severe abdominal pains, cramping, and diarrhea that can lead to frequent hospitalization. Approximately 700,000 people in the United States have Crohn’s disease. This disease is now considered to be the second most common chronic inflammatory disorder.
Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families. About 20 percent of people with Crohn’s disease have a blood relative with some form of inflammatory bowel disease, most often a brother or sister and sometimes a parent or child. Crohn’s disease can occur in people of all age groups, but it is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30.
Here’s the kicker… Crohn’s disease has NO cure. Much research is currently being done to find a cure, but it is a quite lengthy and very expensive process.
Here’s my challenge. Finding a cure is bigger than my personal issues. I am tough and can deal with Crohn’s. But so many others, 400,000 people and counting are suffering with this horrible condition each and every day. And now my beautiful baby girl is at more than 40% risk of developing this problem because it runs it’s genetic. I can’t bear to watch that happen without trying my best to find a cure.
How am I going to raise money for research? Well, like I mentioned before I enjoy golf and happen to be pretty good at it. I want to join the PGA tour, win a few golf tournaments, and donate a high portion of my winnings to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s research program, in hopes of finding a cure.
How can you help? Join me at the LATINO OPEN so you can learn more about me, my mission, and my struggles. I will be golfing with the rest of the field to raise awareness about Crohn’s disease and enjoy superb golf at the same time.
See you on the greens!
Brett Workman
