Season 1, Episode 1: “Finding Purpose After Healing from Chronic Illness” with Jake Schaap
Listen to this episode here: link
When You’re Whole World Gets Turned Upside Down
Jake was in the prime of his life, just finishing college, about to marry the love of his life, when he was hit with a life-altering diagnosis: Inflammatory Bowel Disease, more specifically, ulcerative colitis. Thankfully, Jake’s disease was caught relatively early, and he was able to get intervention and treatment quickly. After spending the next several years battling some pretty difficult symptoms, and a variety of treatments, Jake made the difficult decision to have a colectomy, a surgical procedure that removes part or all of the colon. What was supposed to be a smooth 5 month process, ending up turning into a two year battle, full of several complications that landed him in the ICU and almost cost him his life.
Now 32 years old, Jake has been in remission for about 4 years, off his medication, and is in the best shape of his life. He is on a mission to share his story and bring awareness to this disease, and those affected by chronic illness. One of Jake’s passions as an advocate and full-time web-developer, is to help autoimmune and chronic illness warriors be able to create online businesses that work with an individuals own health limitations and terms, while being able to provide for themselves and/or their family.
“My autoimmune journey changed my life for the better. And I am thankful that I was able to go through that, and that’s why I want to help people.”
I asked Jake at the end of our interview, who inspires him most, and as someone with such a positive mindset, his answers did not disappoint.
He stated:
- People in this community who continue to share their light, and who continue to move forward to the best of their ability.
- His beautiful and amazingly supportive wife and partner.
- Strong support systems, or teams that advocate for those when they need it most.
Lastly, Jake mentioned a tool that he swears by in helping him create and maintain his routines, set goals, and cut back on decision fatigue. It’s the Full Focus Planner, by Michael Hyatt, and you can check it out for yourself at: www.fullfocusplanner.com
If you would like to connect with Jake (and you totally should), here is where you can find him!
Website: jakeschaap.com
Instagram: @jakeschaap
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JakeSchaap1106
Amber Marie 