Crohn’s Disease Helps Write Ashland Resident’s Life Story

Michael Currier’s Struggle with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Leads to Life Well Lead

Michael Currier says that if it wasn’t for his Crohn’s Disease, he wouldn’t be where he is now:  working for the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, married to his wife, Nikki, and the father of two young sons.

And, he wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Currier was diagnosed at 14.  In spite of a constant struggle to stay healthy, he attended the Berklee College of Music, earned a Bachelors degree from Suffolk University AND started a rock/pop musical group that not only toured with Matchbox 20, Goo Goo Dolls and Bare Naked Ladies but also won a Boston Music Award in 2005.

Life on the road, however, took its toll on Currier’s health.  “I ended up in a hospital bed a number of times,” said Currier.  “And, that’s when our band hired a manager and an assistant manger to help out.  That assistant turned out to be my future wife.”

One too many hospitalizations on the road, led Currier to reevaluate his life.  “I was lying in a hospital bed when I knew I needed a Plan B,” he said.

Plan B turned out to be his happy ending.  Currier went back to school and earned a degree from the Mass. College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.  His goal?  To work with patients who are affected by Crohn’s and other inflammatory bowel diseases just as he is.

He’s now a physician assistant and the Associate Director of Program Development for the Brigham and Women’s Crohn’s and Colitis Center.  It’s a role, he says, that feels right.

“I’ve found my life’s work.  Add in a beautiful and brainy wife, a giant dog named Quincy and two amazing sons and I’m right where I’m supposed to be,” Currier said.  “I’m proof that you can live a full and wonderful life WITH Crohn’s.”

The disease, says Currier, is an important part of his story – perhaps the defining point -- but it is only one chapter.

Currier will tell his story at the June 7 “Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis Walk” where he is the event’s Honored Hero.  The walk, now in its sixth year, is expected to attract 1,200 walkers and raise over $350,000.

For more information about inflammatory bowel diseases, the "Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis Walk,” or to make a donation to CCFA on behalf of Currier, please visit www.cctakesteps.org/boston.