Sisters Morgan and Ariel Taylor have been through a lot of pain and suffering.
Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis have taken its toll on the women, aged 19 and 24, with both of them having countless hospital admissions throughout their lives. They have endured endless blood transfusions and highly traumatic life-threatening surgeries.
Morgan was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2009, spending 10 weeks at Westmead Children's Hospital when she was just 12-years-old. She underwent emergency surgery to remove a section of her small intestine. Ariel was diagnosed with a severe form of Ulcerative Colitis in 2014 and just recently had her colon removed.
Both women, former Winmalee High School students, are currently in and out of hospital facing incredibly complicated and traumatic surgeries with the help of many highly trained specialists.
Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis are life-long gastrointestinal disorders that commonly present themselves in children and adolescents.
Australia is reported to have one of the highest prevalence rates of these diseases in the world and in serious cases like the Taylor sisters, it can lead to surgery, permanent colostomy bags and even death.
Morgan and Ariel are unable to receive government support and cannot currently work - Morgan says she isn't entitled to the disability payment because the disease is considered incurable.
Prior to their diagnosis, Morgan planned to go over to the US to assist young children in a summer camp, while Ariel had to put on hold her studies to become a primary school teacher.
"You sometimes can't walk. When you have a flare-up, it's really debilitating and painful," she said.
Family and friends have launched a campaign on mycause to help support the two sisters.
"This page has been set up to help them both through the hardest time of their lives. It would mean so much to them and their family to have support and every donation is appreciated", said a friend.
Morgan said she has been “overwhelmed” by the community’s support.
“It’s great living in a community like this because everyone knows each other and helps out in situations like this,” she said. “We are so thankful.”
To find out more about this campaign, visit: mycause.com.au/page/134552/help-taylor-sisters-fight-against-crohns-disease
