I'm 21 and chronically ill and this video means the world to me. Thank you.

I met my fiancé when I was newly diagnosed with UC. I was still learning about it and trying to deal with it. I told him about my condition at the beginning and he decided to stay by my side. We’ve been together for 9 years now and have a home and currently trying 👶🏻 and I can say he’s the best man ever. I had a total colectomy with an ileostomy back in 2020 (25 years old) and he was my full time caretaker. That’s when I realized I had found the right guy for me. It takes someone special to deal with us 😄 but those DO exist!! Thanks Maggie for sharing your story 🥰

Zak and those like him are a wonderful gift. I am thankful to have found a wonderful partner as well. It wasn't until I was 30, but I am so thankful for his encouragement, how hard he works for us, and how supportive he has been through all of the health battles and now an ostomy too.

It's called unconditional love ❤️

I think this about myself, perpetually single and 2 months away from 35. It gets on my nerves, and limits me why would anyone with a choice, choose to deal with it? But, a couple of my coworkers are married, she has a disability, and there is a significant, but not huge, age difference. He told me: "We met online, she told me everything because she was worried about it, and none of it mattered to me. We went on a date, and I knew I was going to marry her." He and his family later went to a benefit for her condition, and upon meeting her for the first time, his dad told everyone "That's my future daughter in-law." So, it can absolutely happen, and it won't matter to the right person.

We all need a person like Zak in our lives, be they a friend, a partner, or a mentor. I feel like we can all learn a lot from his mindset

I think that angels do exist in the form of people like your husband - not everyone can be that way, but there are people who can really SEE YOU beyond your challenges. How beautiful!

I'm just bawling my eyes out here. Thank you so much for this video. I'm 31, and single. I got 6 chronic illnesses (Crohn's being one of them), and 2 Neurodivergencies. Previous partners had let me know just how awful it was that they couldn't just go hiking with me or something, and my parents have let me know through their upbringing just how hard it is to love me. That's not even mentioning the abuse from peers, teachers, support workers and doctors. I now live together with my sibling, who is trying to undo all that hurt by showing me love, while I get very good trauma therapy at a very good specialised psychologist. The self-care is going better every day. I start to see value in me. But... I see how people respond to me every day, outside of my sibling and I, and I just can't see how I'll ever find a loving partner. And that's not even mentioning that I'm a panromantic, non-binary, asexual, Autistic person. Not that there's anything wrong with any of my identities, but plenty of people view that otherwise. And yep, I know what you're thinking and I agree: screw those people. I don't need to date twats like that. True! But how to find the people who aren't twats like that? And then within that subgroup of people, I need to find someone who I like as a love interest, and who likes me back in the same way, and who has no desire for sex (because asexual). It's quite a thing!

It's so great that Zak fully embraced your issues and societal pressures about having a chronic illness. Zak has showed that he is really a keeper and your marriage shows this.

The challenge can be to find a romantic partner who doesn't just tolerate your chronic condition, or try to pretend it doesn't exist, but truly accepts it as a part of who you are. If they ever say, or try to make you feel, you should be grateful they are willing to be with someone who has a chronic illness, run the other way. I can guarantee you they will not change, and you deserve a lot better.

We can see this came from down deep,right next to your heart ,along with Zak ! You’re both special and we wish you all the best !

Why would someone dont want to be with you Maggie. You’re such a kind and fun person, regardless if u have an illness or not ❤️

This was probably one of your most heart-felt and best videos (& that's saying something because they all are!) 💜 I feel for you & anyone that has to deal with this issue at such a young age...I was lucky because it was a non-issue until recently actually. My friends all through school were mostly understanding except for some dumb "jokes" here and there 😆 As an adult, I worried more how the Crohn's would impact my relationships. My worst nightmare came true a few years ago when my ex (who I've known since middle school & dated when we were younger) dumped me as I was battling rectal cancer. I thought it would devastate me but it had the opposite effect; I realized it said alot more about him than me and it finally showed me my worth. The right person will not care because it's part of you & they love you, all of you 💜💜💜

My medical journey was very similar to yours. I thank for sharing your trials and tribulations; it really helps. I've felt all of these exact things you mentioned. I was 8 yrs old and it's been a non- stop, up hill battle. Sending prayers your way, hun. Thanks again!

This is probably one of the hardest aspects of my life the last few years. My husband & I began dating in high school, and we've been together 27 years (married for 20 years). My disease symptoms began in 2009, and I went 13 years without a diagnosis. Once I received the official one last May, I told him he had my blessing to leave. I wanted him to be happy. Because of my diagnosis, I cannot carry children, and I know how much he wanted to be a dad. He swore up and down he was exactly where he wanted to be, and that was with me. I'm fearful of a future time where I need caregiving, and I do not want him to be that. I want him as my husband, friend, and cat-daddy :) Getting a life-changing diagnosis at age 42 wasn't exactly in our plans, but I can't do life without him.

You are definitely blessed and are a blessing to those of us who have ostomys! Zach is an awesome man, and he definitely shows how much love and concern he has for you and that he will always be there through the good times and times that aren't good. Thank you for always sharing/ helping us and sharing your story ❤️ 💕 ♥️ Would love to see the St. Louis trip!

In my life I've wondered...who'd want to be with a "crazy" person, a (sometimes) fat person, a short person, a person with gray hairs AND zits...but at the same time I've been attracted to all kinds of people and vice-versa. My boyfriend has kids and I never thought I'd want that. I just had to get out of Salisbury to find my people LOL. But for real, the world is wild and full of opportunity. You and Zak are lovely examples

I have Cerebral palsy and have challenges physically and I never thought I would even attract the right guy. Yet March 5th will be 6 months with him

The fake ostomy bags is kind of funny somehow. And somehow the thing about the ostomy clip coming off at Zak's made me cry also somehow: with relief, perhaps, at the "No big deal" aspect. It Isn't! Things spill. And then the end really made me tear up. Very nice. Keep believing in yourself.

To answer your question…..it’s Love and while I am old enough to be your mother it would be cool to be friends! And while I have a lot of medical issues myself, I would have you laughing, maybe?! ❤take care of you!

I am so sorry you go through this. This sounds very rough. Your beautiful personality, kindness and positive attitude has won you a wonderful man. He is very lucky to have you. You deserve all the best in this world 🙂👍

Thanks for this, Maggie. I struggle with these thoughts and this makes me feel better about the future :-)

I'm 66 and this video brought out what I've been feeling for decades. I love how open you are about all aspects of chronic diseases. It helps to hear that I'm not alone with my issues and feelings! So thank you!!

You have so many blessings! Look at your face! Your skin, your beautiful eyes, your luscious hair! Your fit body! Even your voice! You may feel sick inside but you are glowing like an angel and more functional than many people 🌹❤️

I'm glad you did this one. It's like not feeling worthy or "normal" because someone has to put up with and process our medical condition. So we don't put ourselves out there on that level. You found the right partner for yourself and the balance helps you both. If people find someone that's what they want but they can only go so far, it's not the right one. I hope people that have experienced rejection recognize its not their condition that caused. It's the honest limitations the other person had. That took me years to understand. Thanks for sharing and I'd enjoy seeing St Louis. ❤

My struggle is not physical, it's mental - and chronic. I have a "Zak" of my own, we've been together since 1996 and he's just incredible (and sometimes annoying, stubborn). He's shown me what love is. The feeling of not bringing enough to the table is there, don't think it will ever go away, but that's me. It doesn't derive from him. They're out there!

Only a really terrible person would ask those questions.. We all beautiful in our own way and no one is perfect. I am glad you full of life and inspire people . We all go through so many different kind of problems but you're a true example that is how it is handle is how people live and enjoy the rest that does go right. Especially when things can't change and only GOD can heal and do miracles. GOD bless you.

Wonderful story, a supportive partner makes life happy and secure 😘

I totally understand what you're saying. I offered my husband a divorce because this was not what he signed up for when we married in 2007. My health had taken a turn for the worst and kept progressing until a stint in ICU with septic colitis and then the SURGERY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING! I know, overly dramatic, but it was all I could wrap my head around. The fact that this all happened 10 days before I was eligible for insurance at a new job that I was not able to return to didn't help any either, so my health sucks, I'm over $70,000 in debt to the hospital, I lost my car because of the big payment and I hate the car I have now. It's always what's going to happen next? I ended up on disability and I can't be intimate with my husband because of pain and now I have this bag hanging off of my stomach and I just can't get past that. I'm post menopausal and I have severe thinning of the intimate tissues and it just hurts too bad and that had started before the surgery that changed my life. My husband is a saint and loves me as I am and refuse my offer for divorce. He's got my back and is my rock. I'm so blessed that I have him and he loves me as is and even still thinks I'm sexy. I would love to be able to be intimate again especially since I have Mr Right, but there's more ways to show love than just that one thing. Thanks for being there for us, you are a ray of sunshine even when you are not feeling well.

Love often comes when we're not looking and least expect it. I got my ostomy in 2019 due to ulcerative Colitis. On top of everything else I spent 7 months in the hospital recovering from strokes and Covid. Spent two years in the nursing home, then came to Assisted Living last year. My room is on the 5th floor and across from me was a guy with corny jokes and funny dances. He took an interest in me. We had daily conversations. My obvious disability is my wheelchair. I was upfront about my ostomy. It didn't put him off. We've been together almost an entire year. He's 87 and I'm 64. It's all good.

Wow, I felt that. I have asked myself many times why anyone would want to be with me because I am sick and then I end up pushing people away. I am single at the age of 39 and I have never been married or had any kids.

It's amazing that you say you were socially delayed, because you are so confident and poised now. You're also a very thoughtful and kind person and that is probably the essence of being sociable or having people like you. And you have a nice sense of humor; you must have always have had these qualities so I think that would help you get along with people. But oh god: it is sad, your childhood. Poor thing.

I'm so happy for you and anyone else out there who has found a good partner to be your rock when needed. At 62 , now single with A.S. , had thyroid cancer and now diagnosed with Chrones, things do feel pretty daunting when I think where the Chrones is probably taking me. But aside from all of that, I'm healthy and strong and have done some amazing things in life, I have beautiful kids and would give my life for them, so in retrospect things aren't that bad.

I’m so happy you shared this. I have the same thoughts and feelings often - of who would want to share a life with me? Or even worse, how could I allow someone else to have to deal with all of this? I had known my boyfriend for two years when I had a major surgery which left me bed ridden for months. Being that way, I had to tell him that there is a very real possibility that I couldnt walk again and that I would be very dependent on someone. But he didn’t care. At first I thought it might be a guilt thing where maybe he didnt want to break up with me while I was in that condition. But that summer he wheeled me around, carried me up and down stairs, all the hard bits - and proposed. And that moment, I knew he was the one. I share my story hoping that it reignites hope in whoever has doubts they would find someone. The right person will love you.. ALL of you.

I’ve had 61 brain and spinal surgeries. I suffer from chronic, debilitating pain that often leaves me unable to do things. I never thought someone would want to be with me as I saw all my problems as “baggage”. However, I did find someone. I found my husband who is my best friend. I told him my diagnosis and he went and researched it all on his own.

For everything negative there is 10 positives with in a day a week a month a year. You are a beautiful person. So is Zach!

You are such a gorgeous woman!!! I love your hair!!!

Thank you for covering this. I have been married twice and had a long-term relationship that lasted 6 years. Only one of my serious relationships was with someone who couldn't deal with my Type 1 diabetes and IBS that was pretty debilitating but he thought he could at first. Also had endometriosis, so I was barely able to function at times. Thank God they were understanding. But now I am older (60). I have more complications and feel I would not be able to give much due to days I am out of commission. But the right person will not care about all that. It is obvious from watching your channel and seeing you with Zak that he cares for all of you.

You are a Worthy person brave strong loving heart soul

Zak is great and you both have a "mature" relationship/marriage" and that helps a lot!

This question still hits me hard since my first boyfriend left me and flat out said he found someone who wasn't always sick thanks for talking about this

It's clear that Zak wouldn't be anywhere else. He's in it for the long haul with you. Bless you both.

yep, Zak is definitely a keeper 😉

Yes to St Louis! I lost a relationship due to my embarrassment of my body's lack of control. It's been many years and I still haven't gotten into another relationship because I don't trust my body. Not having any treatment is another factor as I have so many GI issues that nobody wants to touch me until I have a successful colonoscopy. I've had 5 failed ones. My current GI won't even see me until I schedule a sigmoidoscopy, which I can't do until I find someone I trust to stay with my mom.

YOU HAVE HELPED MORE PEOPLE THAN YOU KNOW, INCLUDING MYSELF. I AM A SENIOR WITH A NEW ILEOSTOMY KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

thank you for this video! needed to hear this today ❤

Good message, Maggie!

Thanks for the great video Maggie! 🦋👏

I am severely mentally ill with Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar.. I also feel like this sometimes. I’m sooo lucky my wife loves me so much with these illnesses. ❤❤❤

Thankyou Maggie for once again showing us your heart. I am single, been through 2 awful marriages, and now that I'm healthy with my iliostomy, living my best life, I often think what it would be like to actually have a fulfilled loving marriage, but concerned what a significant other would think of my ostomy. Thankyou for clarifying things for me again. Your really good at that! Love you!

That was a brilliant Maggie thankyou x

thank you for this video. it will give a lot of hope to people who struggle to imagine a future

This video is fantastic, people often assume incorrectly, that just because your ill or disabled you can have a happy fulfilled life! If this helps anyone, I’m chronically ill and have been with my Husband for 14years! The right person is out there for everyone! Sometimes life is harder but he’s amazing and you can be disabled/chronically ill and still be with a wonderful partner! Lots of my friends are disabled and have wonderful partners and they all say the same thing, “we balance each other, I can’t do some of the physically demanding stuff he does, but I can do other things”. Would your mum or dad ever consider doing a video with you? They could talk about what’s it’s like with an unwell child and how it changes things? Plus help you explain what it was like for you?

This is a beautiful video, Maggie! Thank you so much making the video. Your life with Zak provides hope and encouragement to all who are living with chronic illness.❤

Zak seems such a gift to be there for u through so much

Thank you for sharing your stories with us as it's very important to others as well and helpful. I also have to say thanks for being so strong. Have a great trip .Take care.

The Lord made special men and you were blessed to find one . That is what true love really is unconditional love so you are blessed with a special relationship. God bless you both

Fabulous story of how you and Zac began. Thanks for sharing. Xx

This is a video about how a person who really loves you is obviously going to be your supporter!

You’re amazing and so is Zak! ❤️ What a loving inspiration you both are. Thank you for being you (Maggie and Zak)!

Thank you for sharing your life with us. I recently had my colostomy reversal but I want you to know your videos helped me get through the past year. I know that you are a patient advocate and I think that is wonderful. There’s something I am interested in exploring. Is there anyway you can tell me how to go about, looking into becoming one myself?

I have crohn's and it's hurts my social life more than anything. It's really hard to meet people and make plans especially since I got my ostomy.

GREAT VLOG!!! SO ENCOURAGING

Wow Maggie a great video!!! Zak what a guy...he is a gem!!! You 2 are perfect together!!! Yes want a video from your trip!!! Your past is important and it motivates us your loyal followers...be safe when you travel...

Oh Maggie...you are so beautiful...big hug ..very brave lovely young lady..my heart bursts at your courage❤

Thank you for sharing this, very inspiring, you and Zak are reallymade for each other. Even if I don't have any physical disability I'm personally struggling with fears of never getting loved and being able to get married and have children because my autism (even if I know there are many with autism who are married and have children) but it's sometimes hard to watch others ny age and younger pass me, get married, start a family. But of course you can still live a good life, I know that I need to gain more confidence.

What a beautiful video... I got something out of it. Thank you

It is easy to merge with you illness and forget you still are you so thank you for those words. Yes, if possible a St. Louis vlog would be great.

I've come to terms with the fact that I'll probably always be alone. Sometimes I think that this idea that everyone "needs" someone else to complete their life does more harm than good. Provides more despair than hope. Great topic to touch on, Maggie!

Hi Maggie and Zak!! Hope you are both doing well. Have you thought of making a part 2 of this with The Frey Life? Both Zak and Peter have dealt with the health problems of their wives. If you are able to do a dual screen with the 4 of you talking about dealing with your health problems.

I love this!

Dear Maggie, I have just completed 8 weeks of Radiotheraphy which required going into hospital every day, 5 days a week. It meant because of the hospital location in Central London that I could not drive; had to use Public Transport. That meant lugging a fairly heavy knapsack containing new kit, clean clothes, towel etc. My Urostomy is called Enigma because I never knew what she was going to do. For 8 weeks, no leaks. No trouble and watching your clip today reminded me of the fact that there is more to me than a Urostomy pouch. I do have a personality and I need to stop withdrawing from life on the basis of my assumption that no one would want to engage with me and Enigma. You and Zac rock. Thank you for reminding me that there is more to life than a Urostomy pouch. Life is tooooo short. Thank you Maggie. Collette fro London, UK 🇬🇧

Loving your hair! (And Zak....he is awesome!)

"I'm worthy and deserving of love." nope, I'm still not there, but I'm working on it...maybe someday I'll believe that about myself. ❤️

Maggie, you are something else. That s why Zac fell in love with you. You ve been dealt a very mean disease but you re the sunniest, most positive person I ve met ........ Sort of! Love your vids. Pots of kisses. Don't even acknowledge those TW.TS! ♥️

I was with my husband for 4 years before my Crohn’s Disease symptoms got bad but even though I finally got diagnosed he stayed right there with me through it all and he said that he loved me no matter what and we have been together 21 years married almost 18 years and I am beyond blessed to have him and to love him more than he knows!!!!

Yesss please do a St. Louis Vlog! 👏🏻 I lived there before I moved last year and I miss it! I had my proctocolectomy surgery there literally right before I moved out of state.

Have relationships with chronic illnesses can be hard. Finding that right person who wants to be right next you through it all is a beautiful thing.

I love ❤ all your videos especially your gardening and cooking

I love this video ❤️

The perfect person for you is Zak. He is the definition of the Wedding Vows. A standard bearer. You have a marvelous personality. 🤗 to both of you.

I am older and feel that I will never find love again. I had a mastectomy years ago and now have dentures. I feel who would want me? So, I sit at home and go to work. That is all I do. I gave up on love and ever being happy again. You are very lucky to have Zac, there are not many men out there like him.

This is actually how I’ve felt about my psoriasis my entire life. And I have actually had some comments somewhat similar to that not by a romantic partner but by people I’ve lived with. It’s not a fun thing to hear

Wonderful message that love bears all in sickness and health ❤❤❤❤❤❤

You are in thoughts and prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Zak is a good man. I wish my surgeons were like that. I am disbelieved, dismissed, begging for the ileostomy they said I needed and would do, but they are not doing it. The negatives outweigh the positives now. I just want to die, but I am not suicidal.

That is true love!

I broke my back, and in the process, I also ruptured 2 discs in my back 9 months into my new relationship with my boyfriend. I gave him an out, and he stayed through it all. I have had a few surgeries, but they made things worse. We have been together since 2009 and married 10 years in September. Two years ago, I started having seizures and was diagnosed with Epilepsy. He takes it all in stride. I apologize to him every time I have medical stuff pop up, and he tells enough with that nonsense. He is my Hero. Without his constant support and love, I might not be here today.

Am glad you made this video. I use to think like this when I was younger. Sometimes I think like this now. Even after I was married. I made my own video on my KZfaq channel. About this topic

Looking fabulous Maggie, cheers from The Maritimes..

I'm disabled (since birth) and I've been with my guy for 18 years. We met online and I told him upfront that I had "mobility issues" (I'm in a wheelchair). We met in person 17 days later and after the lunch date, he said, "I don't want to go home. Have any suggestions?" He followed me to a local park and we talked for 3 hours. Years later, I asked if the wheelchair bothered him when we met and he teased, "I'm still here." When it's the right person, they'll be there.

Because you have so much to offer! You are inspiring.

I definitely identify. I don't have Crohn's or an ostomy but I do have other issues. God bless you and your husband ❤

You both have a love that many dream of having. This was so beautiful 💙💜🙂 I love your videos. Btw was the barn just for the wedding or are y'all still building on it? I'm a long time subscriber...

I really really appreciate this video. I've been thinking a lot about this sort of thing lately. I am in the process of being diagnosed with Crohn's after having issues for almost 9 years, and I was wondering if you ever wish you had tried alternative treatments before going through a surgery or if you ever regret any medical decisions you made. I'm worried I'll make the wrong choices and they won't be reversible.

Great!

I'm late to this but thank you. I am 29 and have Spina bifida and severe chronic pain and am a full time wheelchair user and a lot of the time I don't see myself being able to get married and having kids. It's really hard cuz that's all I've ever wanted

I dont comment much! Ive watched you for yrs now. I wanted to let you know i think your awsome! Im 40 i have crohns since 16. Ive never been married. Ive been really close twice lol. Im on my 4 th relationship in my life and my boyfriend of 5 yrs throws out comments now like, he doesnt feel like a boyfriend, he feels like a care giver 😮 like what do i do with a comment like that??? You know how it is, we have good days and bad but, most of the time i thought i was good at playing things off. I dont have an ostomy but, the crohns is always flairing. I wish you love and happiness in life❤!!!

Dear Maggie, you are one of the most beautiful young women I know! Beauty from heart, mind, body and soul! No question your husband fell in love with you😊 Great Thank You and all my deepest congrats to you and your husband - stay strong and happy! This from a 63old happy ostomy newbie (4,5 years now) whose Idol you are

I have watched For awhile now , and I think you and Zac are amazing together. Zac is a really kool husband. . And you are beautiful And smart . We love your videos. Ed and Melody.