Crohn's Disease Victim Receives Reward

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Story Published: Feb 14, 2007 at 7:00 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 15, 2007 at 2:17 AM MDT

By Nate Eaton

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Two years ago a BYU-Idaho student was diagnosed with a severe gastrointestinal disorder called Crohn's disease.

After being sick for most of the past 24 months, doctors have finally found something to help.

Annabel Jarman, Crohn's Disease Victim: "When something hard like this happens that you're not expecting in life, just to be patient with it."

That's what Annabel Jarman says her battle with Crohn's disease has taught her. Two years ago she was a sophomore at BYU-Idaho studying opera when she was diagnosed with the disease.

Jarman: "The immune system attacks itself and the digestive track starting in the mouth going all the way through."

Doctors began treating Annabel with three common medications but realized quickly she was allergic to all of them.

Jarman: "They put me in the hospital and so it was just like another setback."

After being hospitalized seven times in two years, doctors finally found a treatment that's working for Annabel.

Jarman: "It's an infusion treatment. It's actually a form of chemotherapy so this is the first time I've actually not been in a flare up."

During all of this, Annabel's doctor suggested she apply for a scholarship awarded by UCB Pharmaceutical. After writing an essay and collecting letters of recommendation, Annabel was one of twelve to receive $10,000.

Jarman: "They called me... the head people of the company...called me and I was pretty excited."

Annabel will have treatment for the rest of her life and while her disease may be painful, it has taught her some lessons.

Jarman: "It teaches you patience really. It's hard for me to have patience and not be able to do everything I want to do right now."

Annabel graduates from BYU-Idaho this year.

About half a million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease.

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