"Aaron is in Clinical Remission."

Many things will remain permanent in my thoughts from this week's virtual visit with Aaron's GI doctor. Her saying, "We definitely turned this ship around, thank God," while smiling at how well Aaron is doing, will remain ingrained in my thoughts for a while.

What is the overall goal for this disease since there isn't a cure? Deep remission. This is when a person on a treatment plan feels great, the colonoscopy looks great, and the biopsies look great. She felt that since Aaron was feeling great, we had one box checked and were well on our way to deep remission.

The colonoscopy is scheduled for late July. What we see on the outside will hopefully be what they see on the inside. The medication is working. He feels good, is eating well, and has regained all his weight to a healthy 165 pounds.

Part of me wanted to ask how long people can stay in deep remission, but for now, I just wanted to enjoy this time of calm for Aaron—letting him heal not only physically but mentally. The medical trauma is still there, and a specialized psychologist is helping the process.

Although I have had to fight almost every month for the insurance company to cover the medical bills and this medication, I am okay with the countless hours on the phone if Aaron gets what he needs to battle this disease. I can't explain enough how grateful I am for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) because the last 16 months have shown us what it's like to have an incurable disease that isn't preventable or predictable. It is a disease that you cannot live without insurance—preventing you from having to choose between helping your child or losing it all.

Thank you so much for your continued thoughts and prayers.