CBC Ottawa’s Creator Network provides a platform for emerging storytellers to create original video content showcasing their perspectives. Fanclubwallet, also known as Hannah Judge, a Canadian indie musician, faced challenges touring internationally due to her Crohn’s disease. Despite the difficulties, she aimed to inspire other artists with health conditions to pursue their music careers. In a collaboration with CBC Ottawa’s Creator Network, Judge explored how musicians manage chronic illnesses while on tour.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Judge shared her experience of managing her condition while gaining popularity during the pandemic. However, touring presented new obstacles such as maintaining medication and dietary restrictions. The potential cost of replacing spoiled medication while abroad added stress to her journey.
Yoni Wolf, an American musician with Crohn’s, emphasized the importance of adapting his lifestyle to suit his health needs while on tour. He highlighted the challenges of maintaining a strict routine and diet while traveling, impacting both his well-being and tour budget. Despite the difficulties, Wolf acknowledged that touring is essential for sustaining a music career financially.
For Judge, managing Crohn’s alongside her music career requires careful planning and preparation to prevent flare-ups. Despite the risks, she remains committed to creating music and touring for as long as possible. The documentary “Chasing Indie Music Dreams with a Chronic Illness,” produced by Judge and her collaborators, sheds light on the realities of pursuing a music career while dealing with chronic illness.