Inhale the present, exhale the past.

Now, let your breath guide you back to the present moment, where peace and mindfulness reside.

Thank you for reading today’s edition of Grateful Gazette 😌

Here’s what to know for Thursday:

• New therapy offers hope for Crohn’s patients

• Gold Coast woman adopts a grandparent

• High school students are making lacrosse accessible for athletes of all abilities

NEW APPROACH REDUCES URGENT SURGERIES FOR CROHN’S PATIENTS

A groundbreaking study out of the University of Cambridge reveals that a new advanced therapy could be a game-changer for folks battling this pesky condition.

So, what's the scoop?

Researchers conducted this massive trial called PROFILE, involving a bunch of brave souls diagnosed with Crohn's disease. They wanted to see if giving patients early access to a fancy therapy called infliximab could work.

And guess what? It did!

But hold your horses, what's Crohn's disease anyway? It's like having an unwanted guest wreak havoc on your digestive system. Think stomach pain, bathroom sprints, and fatigue – not exactly a party in your tummy.

Now, let's get back to the good stuff.

This infliximab thingamajig works by blocking a pesky protein in your immune system that's causing all that trouble. It's like putting a lock on your body's 'inflammation factory.'

And boy, did it work wonders in the trial! Here's the juicy part: those who got the infliximab straight after diagnosis had way better outcomes than those who waited.

We're talking about fewer flare-ups, less need for steroids (no, not the muscle-pumping kind), and even fewer hospital trips. It's like giving Crohn's disease a one-two punch right in the gut!

The cherry on top?

Less than one percent of the early birds needed urgent surgery compared to a whopping five percent in the other group. That's like winning the lottery of good health!

Dr. Nuru Noor summed it up best: "Start early, and you're golden." It's like finally catching that pesky cold before it turns into a full-blown flu – prevention is key, folks!

And hey, it's not just about dodging surgeries. 

It's about living your best life, free from the shackles of Crohn's. Just ask Toby Moore, who's been on the Crohn's rollercoaster since he was a kiddo.

Thanks to treatments like infliximab, he's been able to tackle life's challenges head-on – from slaying it in the kitchen as a chef to wrangling a toddler.

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👵 Gold Coast mum finds unexpected family in adopted grandparent

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Young lacrosse enthusiasts from Roslyn High School in New York are banding together to create "Lacrosse My Heart."

It's a nonprofit aimed at leveling the playing field for athletes with physical disabilities.

Zach Mashaal, one of the co-founders, speaks about their mission to spread the love of lacrosse to everyone, regardless of ability.

And guess what? Their latest win involves raising money to support a wheelchair lacrosse team, the Long Island Hammerheads.

Just ask Joe Slaninka, a proud member of the Hammerheads, who knows firsthand the power of support. He shared how organizations like "Lacrosse My Heart" are like MVPs, stepping up to bat for athletes like him.

Mike Nelson, president of USA Lacrosse's Long Island chapter, mentions that these teens are restoring faith in the youth of America.

When it comes to spreading joy through sports, there's always room on the bench for more players with big hearts.

What can we say?

When the sun comes out, sunbathe to your heart’s content

- Thank you for reading Grateful Gazette. Remember to breathe deeply to bring your mind back to your body 💜

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