Prior to his diagnosis in 1994 at the age of 23, Rob lived a very healthy and active life.  At the onset of his symptoms, his life was put on hold. Everyday tasks such as climbing stairs became impossible, and as a result, Rob had his large intestine removed, and received an ostomy. Through sheer determination, the help of a new treatment plan, and support of his family and friends, Rob learned to manage his disease and re-immerse himself in activities such as running and climbing. In addition, he made it his mission to not only overcome his disease, but to show others that having IBD doesn’t have to control their lives.

A life-long athlete and climber, Rob decided to take on the ultimate challenge: to climb the highest mountains on each of the seven continents.  Rob embarked on the No Guts Know Glory Seven Summits Campaign and started his journey by climbing Russia’s Mount Elbrus. He saw the campaign as a way to raise awareness for the highly stigmatized disease. Rob recalls, “I wanted to show people with IBD that they didn’t have to let the disease limit their dreams and ambitions. I wanted to do something that would inspire others to come out from the shadows, and show the world that having something like Crohn’s disease doesn’t have to hold them back.”

Rob then went on to conquer Chili’s Aconcagua, Alaska’s Denali, Antarctica’s Vonson Massif, Indonesia’s Carstenz Pyramid, Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro, and finally, Nepal’s Everest.

Battling high winds and uncertain weather, the last leg of Rob’s journey was not easy. “I am incredibly happy to finish my No Guts Know Glory 7Summits campaign,” says Rob. “Mount Everest proved to live up to its challenging reputation, and at times seemed nearly impossible to climb.  I hope my summit shows people living with IBD that it doesn’t have to stop you. I hope they find the courage and determination to climb the mountains in their lives.” After spending more than 80 hours above 8,000 meters, and facing exhaustion, Rob succeeded in reaching the South Summit.  To honour his incredible journey, the Nepalese government has awarded Rob with an official Everest summit certification.

Clinton Shard, a young Crohn’s patient from Squamish, BC accompanied Rob to Everest base camp. “I am so proud of Rob and the amazing journey he has taken us on,” Clinton says. “Growing up with IBD made having a ‘normal’ childhood really challenging, and there were months where I struggled with my disease. Meeting Rob made me realize how strong and capable I really was. His vision and determination makes him an incredible role model, and I know that his legacy will inspire kids with IBD for years to come.”

When Rob returns, he looks forward to sharing stories from his recent climb, and spreading the word about the campaign.  For more information on upcoming events, visit http://www.nogutsknowglory.com/, home of the “No Guts Know Glory” blog, or follow Rob on twitter at @weneedideas.

About Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IBD is a painful condition that causes the intestines to become inflamed, form sores, bleed easily, scar and lose the normal smoothness of their inner lining. IBD includes two similar yet distinct conditions, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD typically strikes people in childhood or the prime of their lives, when they are actively pursuing an education or starting a career.

A feat only achieved by a handful of Canadians to date, Rob will be the first Canadian with Crohn's disease to complete all seven summits. Rob doesn't let Crohn's disease define him, and he's issuing a challenge to Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients in Canada and around the world: Go to www.IBDadventures.com and share your inspirational story, image or video about how “IBD Doesn't Stop Me.”

“Crohn's disease hit me at age 23 and I quickly went from being very active to very sick,” says Rob, who was diagnosed in 1994. “I went through depression and anger, and asked ‘why me?'”

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis – is a painful condition affecting the digestive system and causes the intestines to become inflamed, form sores, bleed easily, scar and lose the normal smoothness of their inner lining. IBD affects more than 200,000 Canadians.

Thanks to treatments and a strong family support system, Rob regained control of his body and became active again. “When I became strong enough, I decided to speak out about the illness and challenge the stigma associated with it. People need to know that living, and thriving, with Crohn's disease is possible.”

Rob encourages others with IBD to accompany him on his adventures, and in 2009, met young Clinton Shard of Squamish, BC. “I saw Clinton at his lowest moment – in the hospital after being diagnosed – and he shared that experience with me,” says Rob.

“I had to stop running, hiking, rock-climbing and mountain-biking.” recalls Clinton. “I even stopped hanging out with friends.” After a four-year battle with Crohn's disease, Clinton found a treatment regime that not only works for him, it allowed Clinton to move beyond Crohn's disease and join Rob on a successful climb up Mount Kilimanjaro last fall. Clinton will accompany Rob to Everest base camp this spring as part of the IBD Adventures 2010 Everest Base Camp trek to raise awareness of IBD and funds to support the society's important programs.

Before leaving for Everest in late-March 2010, Rob and Clinton will be visiting hospitals and schools in Montreal (February 22 nd ), Toronto (March 8 th ) and Calgary (March 16 th ) to spread the word about the campaign. For updated talk information visit www.IBDadventures.com, home of the “IBD Doesn't Stop Me” forum for IBD patients and supporters.