Jonathan Stewart, co-founder of Evergreen Adventures, a nonprofit focused on connecting the chronic illness community with outdoor activities, shares his journey with type one diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and sarcoidosis. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of staying active despite health challenges, describes the need for planning outdoor adventures, and encourages everyone to find joy in nature, no matter the circumstances.   Concepts discussed on this episode:

• Personal experiences with chronic illnesses, including ulcerative colitis and type one diabetes.
• The journey of misdiagnosis and the challenges of managing chronic conditions.
• The emotional impact of surgical decisions, such as colectomy and living with an ileostomy.
• The importance of community support and advocacy for individuals with chronic illnesses.
• The significance of restroom access and related laws for those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• The role of outdoor activities in promoting physical and mental well-being for people with chronic conditions.
• The founding and mission of Evergreen Adventures to facilitate outdoor experiences for the chronic illness community.
• The complexities of living with multiple overlapping health conditions.
• The importance of self-advocacy and collaboration with healthcare providers.
• Encouragement to redefine personal adventures and find joy in small moments despite health challenges.

  Information on Restroom Access Laws:

• Digital I Can't Wait Card via Bladder and Bowel Support Company
• I Can't Wait Card with membership via the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
• This Can’t Wait card via Guts UK Charity
• What is The Restroom Access Act? via United Ostomy Associations of America
• Help Pass a Local Restroom Access Law in Your Community via the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
• State Legislature Websites

  Find Jonathan Stewart and EverGreen Adventures at:

• Web: https://www.egadventures.org/
• Instagram: @evergreen_adventures_mt

  Find Amber J Tresca at:

• AboutIBD.com: About IBD
• Verywell: Verywell Health
• Facebook: @aboutIBD
• Twitter: @aboutIBD
• Pinterest: @aboutibd
• Instagram: @about_IBD
• YouTube: @AboutIBD
• Threads: @about_IBD

  Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

• Facebook: @maccooneycomposer 
• Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
• Web: Cooney Studio
• YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
• Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.

  Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD176   These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.