Vernon Hills Teen's Disease Spurs Her Activism
VERNON HILLS, Ill. (CBS) -- A 21-year old Vernon Hills woman was recently honored for her work on behalf of people like her, who suffer a painful and potentially embarrassing disease.
WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya reports that Ally Bain, a senior at Lake Forest College, was credited with helping to change Illinois law because of a medical condition that she has to deal with.
She has Crohn's disease and it forces her to use the restroom, almost without a moment's notice. The disease involves inflammation of the intestines and those who have it sometimes need to find a bathroom in a big hurry or risk the embarrassment of having an accident.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya reports
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In 2004, while Cain was shopping for clothes, she had a sudden and painful need to use the bathroom and she and her mom begged the store manager to let her use the employee bathroom.
The manager refused and Cain soiled herself. Afterward, she pushed for legislation requiring stores to provide restrooms for people with medical emergencies.
The proposal, known as Ally's Law, became law in 2005. Recently, Bain was selected by Glamour magazine as one of the "Top 10 College Women of 2011."
She's also a finalist in the IBD Icons online contest to honor people with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, who find success despite their condition.
