Hey, hey! In 2004, I got diagnosed with severe Crohn's disease. I was like 'okay, perfect, how do I get rid of it? It took me 2 years to learn about, live with it and try to mentally deal with it. Then, the docs told me I have systemic lupus. Great. Perfect. More learning. Then....the docs told me I have mixed connective tissue disease. At that point, I told my docs they were making sshhhh stuff up! Here I was with 3 autoimmune diseases. For 16 years there were many ups and downs. A super awful flare led me to surgery...I started losing my innards! The best I could do is keep my head up, my eyes forward and stay positive and KEEP ON KEEPING ON! Watch where you're going, not where you been. Having said all of that, I am going to dig deep and attempt my first thru hike and I am so excited! Uh, one more thing...in 4 weeks I am having my left knee replaced and I will start my journey on the AT. I got this. I'm aiming for the end of May. My fellow hikers, be safe, have an amazing time making so many memories. Keep your head up and eyes forward. Sometimes.,.your eyes might get sweaty and you'll doubt yourself, You got this!!!! Hope to meet you in the trail! Oh, one more thing... don't whine or complain. Work thru 'it'. You'll be stronger. It could always be worse!