Will Lanier

Talking With

Will Lanier

1

Question One

What is the biggest thing you’ve had
to overcome since your diagnosis?

Confronting, acknowledging, and accepting a UC diagnosis in my late teens was quite difficult to overcome and I had to learn to let people help me even when I wanted to go at it alone. I was later diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 28, and I am now a survivor and grateful to be living a healthy life thanks to the support of family, friends, and my medical team, plus a ton of self-love and motivation.

My Personal Motto:

There’s a million things I haven’t done, but just you wait.
–from ‘Hamilton, the musical’

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Question Two

How has UC impacted your life choices?

Facing the challenges that come with a UC diagnosis has empowered me to strive for greatness and realize my passions. Specifically, I’ve dedicated my career to helping others through health and wellness and am also committed to advocacy efforts, sharing my story, and paying forward all the support I’ve received.

Number of countries visited:

6

Bucket list:

Play guitar and sing for an hour on a city street in a foreign country.

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Question Three

What is the hardest part
about having UC?

Living with UC is difficult on so many levels. The hardest part is feeling like a prisoner in your own life – not free to do the things you want to do either because of a flare, symptoms, or sometimes feeling depressed.

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Question Four

What does “being in control
of your UC" mean to you?

To me, “being in control” means confronting your emotions head-on and embracing them. While you can’t always be in control of your UC symptoms or separately, the actions of others, you can always strive to keep yourself in check and commit to feeling and embracing your own emotions.

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Question Five

How has being involved with the
UC community affected you?

My involvement with the UC community has affected my life in many positive ways; I feel a true sense of connection with others who have faced similar challenges, and I’m now able to give back to others who are new to the community and/or seeking information.

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