One in 250 Australians are affected by Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis – also known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

The theme of this year’s awareness campaign is ‘Live Fearlessly’ – encouraging people diagnosed with IBD to live without letting their disease come in the way of their dreams.

Cessnock girl Paige Allen has Crohn’s Disease, but she doesn’t let it stop her from doing the things she loves – especially dancing.

Paige, 13, was diagnosed with Crohn’s when she was seven.

“She became very unwell, she had internal bleeding and was very white and was tired all the time,” her mum Abby recalled.

“She was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and it took five months to improve.

“She had to learn how to manage and live with this from such a young age.”

Paige took up dancing as a way to manage her Crohn’s – so that when she is unwell her energy levels don't plummet too low.

Paige is a cheerleader with the Cessnock PCYC-based Chief Allstars.

She has been given the chance to assist in coaching the younger students, and was awarded the team spirit award last year due to her commitment.

“Dance is the one thing that keeps her going,” Abby said.

“It is a struggle with the severe stomach pain but she pushes through and this inspires her teammates to keep on going too.

“She is a inspiration to all who meet her because no matter how hard it is living with her condition she pushes and keeps smiling.”

Paige says living with Crohn's disease is hard because she has to take it easy and this affects her dancing and cheerleading.

“It's difficult because no one really understands what my condition is,” she said.

“I love that my teammates look up to me due to my battle. It is a challenge.”

Paige said if there was one thing she could tell anyone about her condition, it would be that it’s not contagious.

According to Crohn’s and Colitis Australia, more than 75,000 Australians live with IBD, with numbers expected to increase to more than 100,000 by 2022.

The conditions can present in children, adolescents and adults. There is no cure.

Crohn’s and Colitis Australia provides support services, advice and encouragement to people suffering from IBD.

Find out more at www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au.