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peace corps and crohns

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 2/17/2011 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
I will be graduating from college this summer and am trying to figure out what to do next. I have crohns, an ostomy, and am on remicade every 6 weeks. I am looking into the peace corps as they offer ways to do grad school, I love to travel, and need experience. I was just wondering if anyone knows of anyone who has crohns and receives remicade has done the peace corps?
Posted 2/17/2011 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
I'm not American so can't offer much constructive advice, but I've heard of the AmeriCorps and wonder if that might be a better fit for you, as you'd get to stay within the US and so, hopefully, continue your treatment?

Just a thought.

Ivy.
Posted 2/17/2011 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
ps. Congratulations on your imminent graduation!!!
Posted 2/17/2011 5:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Dreamer,

I am a fellow dreamer! So, I could not get into the Peace Corps after college. There is a medical list and Crohn's is an automatic disqualification. It may be different now. Don't be bummed ... there are lots of opportunities. I have had all sorts of crazy jobs, in all sorts of remote locations (abroad and in the US). After that, I went to grad school and got my MS then did more crazy fun things and now I am getting my PhD. AmeriCorps, Teach for America, resorts, cruise ships --- lots of ideas! My best advice - live (not die) with crohn's! Sounds like you already have that covered! Oh, I was not on remicide so I don't know about that and being abroad. It might limit the locations you choose.

Good luck!

PS What is your area of interest? What kind of experience?

Post Edited (coyotegirl) : 2/16/2011 10:32:51 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/17/2011 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
My area of interest is business, marketing, and I don't have to much experience as being in school with crohns at times is hard enough. Coyotegirl, I really appreciate your ideas, and yes I have decided to follow any dream even with Crohns.
Posted 2/21/2011 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
It makes me sad to know that there is a medical list that can automatically disqualify you from doing something so great like joining the peace corps. I guess there is a reason for certain things. But don't give up. I have had Crohn's for 7 years, I try not to let it get the best of me. It's funny that you posted this, because I was thinking of looking into the Peace Corps myself . Well anyway Congrats!
Posted 6/6/2011 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
Have you heard anything definitive about this? I changed my major to get the degree required by the environmental branch of the Peace Corps and have recently been diagnosed with Crohn's...It's on a list of medical conditions that usually get an applicant disqualified, but I'm looking into ways to still get accepted. I'm currently sticking with the degree plan and on remicade treatments every 8 weeks. If you found/find a way to still get in, let me know! It's my dream...
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