Adam Sikes was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 18 and later with stage 1 colon cancer. Along with his son Brandon, Adam shares how his family supported him through decades of illness, surgery, and recovery with a J-pouch. Adam and Brandon highlight how IBD affects families, the importance of screening, and the power of community support through groups such as Connecting to Cure.

Transcript and more information available at: https://bit.ly/AIBD208

Chapters:

• [00:02:12] — Adam discusses his diagnosis of ulcerative colitis at age 18.
• [00:04:05] — Adam describes his colon resection surgery after a perforation.
• [00:06:17] — Brandon shares his childhood memories of his dad's symptoms.
• [00:08:04] — Brandon recalls learning about his dad's cancer diagnosis.
• [00:10:50] — Adam explains how a colon cancer diagnosis led to j-pouch surgery.
• [00:14:15] — Brandon describes the changes in family life after his dad's j-pouch surgery.
• [00:17:05] — Adam talks about his concern that his sons might inherit IBD.
• [00:19:12] — Adam and Brandon discuss the importance of getting involved in advocacy.
• [00:23:56] — Brandon shares how he became involved with Connecting to Cure.
• [00:27:08] — Adam shares how pouch surgery has given him a new lease on life.
• [00:28:21] — Brandon outlines how to engage with Connecting to Cure.

What you'll learn:

• The role of family dynamics in managing chronic illness.
• The involvement of children in patient education and advocacy influenced by a parent's health journey.
• The importance of early screening and awareness for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• The challenges of living with a chronic illness and the need for better support and resources.
• The impact of j-pouch surgery on quality of life and family interactions.
• How community groups like Connecting to Cure help families cope with IBD.
• The influence of chronic illness on the aspirations and career choices of family members.
• The importance of understanding medical conditions and procedures through research and education.

Find Adam Sikes at:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamsikes

Find Brandon Sikes at:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonsikesss/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-sikes-214620348/

• Web: https://www.connectingtocure.org
• Twitter: @connecttocure
• Instagram: @connectingtocure
• Facebook: @ConnectingToCure

Find Amber J Tresca at:

• AboutIBD.com: About IBD
• Verywell: Verywell Health
• Facebook: @aboutIBD
• Twitter: @aboutIBD
• Pinterest: @aboutibd
• Instagram: @about_IBD
• YouTube: @AboutIBD
• Threads: @about_IBD

• Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
• Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
• Web: Cooney Studio
• YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
• Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.