Toni Whitley

"If You Knew How Regular I Am...you Wouldn't Be So Full of It": My 30 Year Secret Life with Crohn's Disease Toni Whitley

Not only will this story bring awareness on how not to rely solely on insurance companies for your future financial resources (should you unfortunately become disabled); it is also the story of my life's lessons on successfully overcoming the challenges of living with a debilitating disease. These lessons can be used as a reference to the:young audience beginning their life's journey; working person relying on insurance benefits should they unfortunately become disabled due to an illness;person with any life-long illness; andfor the audience looking for an inspirational story. This story spans my 30 year struggle with a chronic illness while attempting to climb the corporate ladder. Using tools which were part of my foundation, such as sacrifice, independence, spirituality and morals, I was able to fulfill dreams beyond my imagination. I am very grateful that having worked for over 20 years in the financial industry, I had the money management skills which prepared me for my financial emergency. Unexpectedly, in February 2006, I was hospitalized, due to severe complications from Crohn's Disease and my entire world began to shatter. Within weeks of being on medical disability, I went from a six-figure income to zero. Not only was I dealing with a deteriorating illness, but now emotional depression also set in. After spending hours on line with various crohns/colitis support groups, sadly it appeared that thousands of people are facing the same issues. Not only are we battling an incurable, debilitating disease and depression, but also financial hardships that can force you to lose everything while the insurance companies are using non-medical personnel to decide whether or not we are eligible for benefits. I decided to write this book to bring awareness of this disease to the public and all of the horrific baggage that comes with it.