Name: Mary Elizabeth Hoffman - Nickname is Eli (like Ellie)
Age: 30
Occupation: doctoral student studying Child Development
I am half Korean (Mom is from South Korea) and half American (Dad is German American). My parents and husband are my rocks. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here today. I would have given up a LONG time ago. I'm the 49th of 50 grandchildren in the Hoffman clan. However, I am the only child for my parents. I was born and raised in East Lansing, Michigan. Now we reside in Florida, where both my husband, Saad, and I attend university.
When I was 17, I was diagnosed with FAP. Within 2 weeks of that diagnosis, my colon was removed and replaced with a j-pouch. I have had a total of 3 surgeries linked to my disease and have experienced bowel obstructions, pouchitis, and major adhesions. I also suffer from a rare form of portal hypertension, which magnifies my health problems.
All of the pain and suffering has made me stronger. You appreciate every second on this earth because you know there was a chance a decade or so ago, where there would have been no option for you to survive. Since my diagnosis I have traveled the world to places like Australia, Costa Rica, Fiji, France, Greece, Hawaii Italy, Japan, Morocco, the Netherlands, and South Korea. This means you can do it too!
This website was created over two years ago so us survivors learn that there are many of us out there all over the world, not only surviving but living well and happy. PLEASE share your thoughts, emotions, and even your photos with your new family here at this site. You will be surprised as to how many people relate to your experiences and how many people you positively impact with insights about life with FAP.
To email me with your thoughts or ideas, just punch on either one of the pictures above and you will be connected directly to my email address.
Take care and I hope to hear from you soon as does everyone else! |
