Inspiring Surfer Brittani Nicholl Makes Anything Seem Possible

Brittani Nicholl was born to surf. This spectacular 27 year old woman’s battle of the waves is inspiring in itself, but the battle of her life demonstrates just how strong and courageous she is - like a force of nature.

With Brittani’s infectious smile as she tackles the ocean with surfboard in hand, you’d never guess the challenges she faces on a daily basis from a chronic disease that she nearly lost her life to in her adolescence. Like the waves, it’s difficult to see what’s underneath the surface.

Crohn’s disease is a life-threatening condition that results in the inflammation of the bowel. The gut ceases to function properly, with the own body’s immune system attacking the gastrointestinal tract. The disease usually first appears when sufferers are teenagers or young adults, with symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bleeding, anaemia, fatigue, fever and weight loss.

Brittani was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when she was just 7 years old.

In 2007 at the age of 16 her health declined dramatically, to the point where her life was in jeopardy and she was in agonising pain. It was critical she have surgery and 30cm of her colon was removed. She was fitted with an ileostomy bag and stoma to relieve the burden on her bowel and allow it to recover from the pressure it was put under by the disease.

Living with Crohn’s disease in her adolescence with peers that couldn’t understand what she was going through left her with a sense of insecurity in her own skin.  

“It was a very hard time in my life, where looks and appearance seemed so important. You could imagine my fear and worry. I definitely didn't think I'd be able to live a normal life with an ileostomy and the first thought running through my mind was that I wouldn't be able to surf ever again.”

Despite her fear, she found strength in the people around her.  

“It was a visit in hospital from a stranger at the time who picked my spirits back up and inspired me to continue living my life doing the things I loved. With a great support network I was able to get through it and to my surprise, I was able to surf and live a relatively normal life.”  

Brittani set out to live the fullest life possible. Giving up on her dream was not an option. Ironically, the ileostomy bag was the very thing that gave her the freedom to surf.  

“The ileostomy bag was the best thing for my health, I was no longer in pain and I was the healthiest I had ever been... sure you still have your ups and downs, but it’s something that I’d recommend to anyone who is in a similar situation. It is a very daunting process and it takes a bit of getting use to; but I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for having the bag.”  

Brittani is not ashamed of her scars. They are a symbol of her journey, her power to overcome anything and live fearlessly. She is living proof of the ability we have to adapt in the face of challenges and be stronger for it.

“I'd learnt not to eat at least 1-2 hours leading up to going for a surf and I surfed in a one piece swimsuit, at times a wetsuit as well to keep everything in place on my stomach. I had a few mishaps with leakage and irritation whilst surfing with the bag but it was all worth it in the end just to be doing something I loved.”  

For Brittani surfing is like food for the soul. It fueled her, energised her and gave her the emotional boost she needed put her disease aside and live in the moment.

“Surfing has played a major role in my journey, as the ocean is my one escape, the one place where I forget about everything and wash away my worries. It really is a therapy that is so refreshing for the mind, body, and soul. This can sometimes be difficult because at times when I am unwell, I am unable to surf.”

After three years it was time to get the ileostomy bag removed - a scary proposition considering what the bag had done to free her from pain and essentially, save her life. Learning to trust her body to work the way it needed without the bag would not come easily.

Alike with other sufferers of the disease her future was not certain and with grace and strength Brittani made the most of the now.

Unfortunately in 2015 she spent 10 months in hospital, endured 10 surgeries and 7 blood transfusions, had 20cm of her small bowel removed and was fitted with an ileostomy bag for the second time, which was reversed 9 months later.

Brittani doesn’t focus on what she can’t do, but what she can do. She embraces her challenges fighting and sets no limitations for herself. If she falls off her surfboard, she gets back on again.

Keeping up with competitive surfing has been a monumental challenge, having been forced to take breaks from the waves due to illness and hospitalisation. Unable to train consistently, Brittani has to make the most of her healthy days. Her heart and mind is forever in the ocean.

In May 2017 Crohn’s and Colitis awareness month, Brittani lived her dream, leading the Australian team as captain at the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games in France. 

“Surfing throws up a whole different set of challenges than other sports. It’s more than just a competition against yourself or your competitor. It’s a contest against the natural elements. You have to read tides, wind, swell and pick shifting sandbars to come out on top."

"Being selected to represent Australia is a dream come true. To be team captain is a privilege and full on responsibilities, although it adds to the experience of representing Australia,” said Brittani.

Although Crohn’s disease is an uphill battle, Brittani is doing all she can to live a healthy life, with a professor in Sydney and specialist on the Gold Coast assisting in her journey.

Since 2011 Brittani has been a National Ambassador for Crohn’s and Colitis Australia. She is passionate about sharing her story and starting the conversation on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a condition affecting over 75,000 Australians. Brittani is hopeful that the future holds a cure.

“An IBD problem is difficult to speak about, as it is bowel related. My wish is to promote this disease more openly, as it can affect anyone at any time, and for people to have a better understanding of this disease gives hope to others. Just dealing with this disease on a daily basis can be a struggle but if I can share my story and provide hope by inspiring and helping others through tough times and put a smile on their face, then I'm happy!” 

“My best advice would be not to give up,” Brittani shared. “You truly don’t know what you’re capable of until you have no choice but to face your fears.”

Having endured so much without surrendering to despair or giving up her love of surfing, Brittani’s glass half full attitude and heart-warming positivity is a shining light to inspire everyone that knows of her.

“After everything that has happened, I have learnt to appreciate everything so much more. I soon realised how quickly everything could potentially be taken away from me, including life. I am just grateful for the life I have, and sure things can be tough and you can get pretty down about things, but I always think to myself that things could be worse and there are many people out there that are much worse off then me. I now figure just to take every day as it comes and not to get too far ahead of myself, whilst trying to stay as healthy and happy as I can.”  

You can read Brittani’s full story by clicking here or follow her on Facebook and Instagram. To help Brittani continue doing what she loves and to support her journey towards better health, you can donate here.

For more information and support regarding IBD, please see the Crohn's and Colitis website.