Nature doesn’t just call for Justin Hill. It screams.
Last summer, the 13-year-old hockey, baseball, soccer and soon-to-be football player was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that can cause debilitating pain and cramps, as well as sudden, urgent needs to head to the washroom.
Hill was an active young athlete hoping to land a spot as a defenceman on the Port Coquitlam Pirates A1 rep team for his age group when he started feeling pains in his stomach.
The discomfort drained his energy.
At hockey practice, Hill would have to rest for five minutes after each drill.
Sometimes, he’d have to rush from the bench to the washroom.
Instead of playing rep, he was slotted on to a house league team.
Last summer, after doctors finally figured out what was wrong, Hill was put on a liquid diet for two months. He drank up to 15 Boost shakes a day, as well as soup broths. Clear fizzy drinks like Sprite were the only treat he was allowed.
With another hockey season looming, Hill fretted about his ability to play.
“I was worried I’d have to stay at home all day and do nothing.”
But monthly infusions of medication at BC’s Children’s Hospital to suppress Hill’s abnormal immune response that triggers inflammations have helped to stabilize his condition so he can look forward to getting back on the ice.
More importantly, having a coach confide in Hill that he too suffered from a chronic bowel disease helped him cope with the mental and emotional toll of his affliction, which can often leave its sufferers feeling alone and embarrassed.
“It was nice to hear that I’m not the only one who has to run for my life to the bathroom,” Hill said. “It makes me feel like I’m not singled out.”
Hill’s mom, Melissa, said as Justin returned to his sporting activities, the family initiated discussions ahead of time with his coaches to let them know of some of the unique challenges he could face, and how they could support him.
“The biggest thing you learn as a parent is you’re the only one advocating for him,” she said.
In June, Justin received a courage award at the Port Coquitlam Hall of Fame and Sports Awards. He used the opportunity to talk publicly about his disease to help people realize how tough it can be to live with.
He said sharing his struggles helps to give him the drive to overcome them, to show he can persevere and succeed.
This summer, Hill was on the ice up to three times a day preparing for tryouts to make the Pirates U15 A1 team. This fall, he’s planning to sign up for touch football at Minnekhada Middle School where he’ll be attending Grade 8.
Hill said sports are his refuge: When he’s on the ice or the field, he’s able to park the stresses and uncertainties that come with his disease.
“Sports are the thing that make me forget,” he said. “It’s nice to have that.”
