This problem started when I was 3, and I wrote this story when I was 9. When I was going through this, I wanted to know how other kids felt. I hope this story makes other kids feel secure.


My name is Nicole Sweeney. When I was 3 years old, I had a bad case of ulcerative colitis. I bled whenever I used the restroom. My mom and dad took me to Children’s Hospital in Washington, DC to see what treatment I should get. All the doctors decided that I should have an operation to remove my large intestine. After that, I pooped into a bag through a hole in my abdomen (stoma) instead of through my bottom. I felt really scared and it wasn’t pleasant at all! This went on for 13 months, and in the meantime, I had a second operation. Finally, I had a third operation to get rid of the bag, and now I look like everyone else!
I am 9 years old now. These surgeries were rough, but they helped me do almost anything I wanted, like swim, be in Brownies, and do well in school. I wrote this story because I want to help other kids not to be frightened if they get very sick like I did. Having hope isn’t easy, but it got my family and me through a lot of tough times. I want to share hope with as many people as possible!

My mom is talking with the nurse about the 3 operations that I will have.



Here I am in my hospital bed with my dolls, smiling after my third operation.



This is my stoma doll. The nurses at Childrens’ Hospital gave her to me to show me what to expect.



That’s me with Mr. Sam’s special soup. Mr. Sam was one of my nurses. His soup was the first food I could eat with my mouth after being in the hospital for 7 weeks.





I can do great things now because of my surgeries!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Nina (Nikki's Mom),