Hi, I’m John — an IBD warrior, spoonie and wannabe solo world sailor.
At 16, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Since then, I’ve faced a myriad of health conditions that shaped my journey in ways I never expected. Too often, it felt like medical problems were in control of my life.
Ulcerative colitis took away my first dream of a life at sea. Since then, it — along with a few other challenges — has been chipping away at my freedom, gradually pushing me down a path I don’t want to walk.
Not long ago, I missed an opportunity to help someone who was in the same medical position I once was (and still am!).
That moment lit a fire in me.
So now I’m fighting back — fighting to reclaim my childhood dream of sailing solo, non-stop around the world.
Sailing in Hope was born from this mix of struggle, stubbornness, and salt water. This isn’t about being fearless — it’s about facing fear. It isn’t about avoiding every storm — it’s about learning how to navigate them. And most of all, it’s about reminding anyone who feels lost, isolated, or overwhelmed that hope is still out there, waiting on the horizon.
My mission is to re-ignite my childhood dream—taken from me by ulcerative colitis—and turn it into reality by sailing solo, non-stop around the world.
To Inspire Resilience:
I hope to show that, no matter the challenges of living with a chronic illness, it’s possible to pursue dreams and live a fulfilling life.
To Empower Others:
I hope to encourage people to take the helm of their own stories, becoming the leaders of their journey and embracing their inner strength.
To Build a Community:
I hope to connect individuals, families, and professionals who understand the challenges of chronic illness, fostering mutual support and understanding.
To Raise Awareness:
I hope to shed light on the realities of chronic illnesses, breaking down stigmas and starting meaningful conversations.
To Inspire Hope:
Above all, I hope to show that hope is always within reach, and even the stormiest seas can lead to calmer waters.
At the age of 15, I made a decision: ignore it, and it might go away. It didn’t. It still hasn’t. But neither have I.
Navigating Life's Waves—Because It's Not Always Plain Sailing
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