Rob’s story
In 1994, Rob was a fit, healthy 23-year-old, an amateur runner and athlete. Until that time, he had never really been sick. He didn’t even have a regular doctor. When the illness started, it progressed rapidly. Daily diarrhea. Sustained stomach cramps. The diagnosis was Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. It got worse, and his weight plummeted from 185 to 105 pounds. After a year and a half, it became clear that his large intestine, his colon, needed to be removed.
Not long after surgery, Rob started getting active again, running and eventually competing. In his lowest moment, he had not been able to climb the stairs in his house so regaining his fitness became a very personal challenge. Recovering mentally would take longer.
When Rob was ill, he learned an aunt of his also had Crohn’s, a fact she had never shared, even with close family members. Through her experience, and his own, Rob realized how destructive the stigma surrounding intestinal diseases and having an ostomy can be. How it can isolate you, keep you from reaching out and getting help. Rob decided he had to do something about it.
The Seven Summits campaign, which we call “No Guts Know Glory” grew from Rob’s love of sport, adventure and the outdoors. By taking it to the extreme, and on a global basis, Rob hopes to show people everywhere that having these diseases or having an ostomy, like Rob does, shouldn’t stop you from leading a full life. You may not be able to climb mountains, but there are so many other things you can do.
To further this goal, Rob started the Intestinal Disease Education and Awareness Society (IDEAS), from his home base in Vancouver, British Columbia. Rob also approached ConvaTec, whose ostomy products he wears, to sponsor his climbs, and became a member of the Great Comebacks™ family. This global program has allowed Rob to speak in many countries, alongside his climbs and through local patient and professional organizations.
While reaching the top of each mountain is a great accomplishment, with respect, Rob says removing the social stigma associated with these diseases and having an ostomy is a far more daunting task. A task which will require much more than his voice on its own, so Rob hopes you add yours in letting people know they are not alone. One of the young people Rob recently met said, “this isn’t really about climbing mountains, it’s about moving them.”
Rob will attempt his final 7 Summits climb in the spring of 2010–up the south route to the top of Mount Everest in Nepal–thanks to the generous support of Abbott Laboratories and ConvaTec.
If you’d like to contact Rob directly, please send an e-mail to rob @ nogutsknowglory.com
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Hi Rob,
Your story is certainly an inspiration.
As a guy who has lived with Crohn’s for over 30 years, I certainly know how much of a challenge even a “normal” life can be. For those of us who want to be high performers it becomes even more difficult. The fact you’re using this to uplift and inspire others is fantastic. I will do what I can to spread the word about your campaign.
Jason David Reid
Hi Jason,
Thanks for your kind words. We like the work you are doing as well. All of us suffering with these terrible illnesses are in it together to change perceptions and challenge performance boundaries. Keep it up and thanks for spreading the message.
What an inspiration you are, Rob. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for working so hard on raising awareness about IBD. My husband had his colon removed five years ago, and I want you to know how much I love his bag. It saved his life, and I will be eternally grateful. Keep up the great work, and let’s find a cure!!
Hey Rob.
I met you at Youth Rally. I stillll remember the speech you gave us. You are truly inpersational, and not a person I will forget anytime soon. Good luck with Everest. (:
Hey Rob,
I saw a link on FB about you conquering Everest! THat is Awesome! I have had Crohn’s since I was 12… Now I am 37. When diagnosed I was just 55 pounds. Then in my mid 20’s I had a bad 5 yr bout which ended in removing my colon & rectum. I now have an ileostomy. It has been a difficult transition because my bowel is so short! But, I finally was able to return to working out. It had been a real learning process for me. But I listen to my body! And, it hasn’t let me down for 8 years now! I was blessed with a daughter after my surgery which I believe would never have happened without the ostomy! I am 37, bench press more than I weigh, squat more and am healthier than most “normal” 20 year olds! I love heaing stories like yours! So, thought I would share a little of mine! Good Luck! I am gonna share a link to your site with a trainer that I follow. He loves inspirational stories! Check out his site when you get some free time. Rosstrainging.com Love his workouts!!
All the best and good Luck my Friends!
Dear Selena’s Daddy,
We hope you get rid of that disease! Good luck! We’re thinking about you and we are very proud of you!
Please come and visit us when you come back from climbing Mt. Everest! You can do it!
Love your daughter Selena and her Grade One class
keep on trying
Go for it! GOOD LUCK!
keep up the good work
hope you have fun from alyssas friend
have you climd Mount Seymour?
How long have you been doing it ?
hi rob. its kirra. you know me i just seen you a little while ago, good luck climbing mt. everest! bye.
good luck for climbming Mount Evrest
Good luck climbing!!!! Your almost there!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Rob
Keep up the good work. Have fun.
From Ayllsa’s friend.
climbing mt. everst thats amiracleh hope you make it thourgh well by from lauren
hope you have great time from alyssa’s friend
hi rob it’s jaycelyn you proble don’t remember me but we have met before when i had a sleep over with alyssa and then we went for pizza.I am so happy for you for climing Mt.Everest and I hope you will get rid of that disease. I hope when you get back you can come and visit alyssa’s class! Well Bye For Now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From:Jaycelyn
Hey there I’m sorry to read about that So me and My friend are going to do a project on your No Guts Know Glory on Mount Everest. I’ll make sure to keep a close eye on your travels and to keep other people on view this
-Your friend, pall, and fan Megan
Dear Rob
GOO ROB!!!
GOOD LUCK!
From Alyssa’s Friend
i always’ watch ’several teams summit Everest each year but I find your story particularily interesting as my husband has had an ostomy for 52 yrs and my son has ulcerative colitis. You go for it Rob…inspiring others while you challenge yourself is a great goal!
GOOOD LUCK ROB.. MAKE IT UP
Hey uncle Bob,
Your awesome.
Rachel