Photo courtesy of Great Comebacks Program Patrick McKinney (right) receives honors from Rolf Benirschke, former NFL player and founder of the Great Comebacks Program, at a ceremony in Annapolis, Md., in honor of his comeback from ulcerative colitis.

‘‘You didn’t discuss those things. No one wants to talk about rectal bleeding. I had symptoms for a year. I didn’t have the internet so I couldn’t look up my symptoms on WebMD. I would sleep for 12 hours and when I woke up I was still tired. I found out I was anemic during a blood drive at my high school. That’s when I started seeing a specialist,” said McKinney, a husband and father of five children.

According to the National Institutes of Science website, ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon. Ulcers form where inflammation has killed the cells that usually line the colon, then bleed and produce pus.

Inflammation in the colon also causes the colon to empty frequently, causing diarrhea.

McKinney submitted his personal story to Great Comebacks, program started under the leadership of Rolf Benirschke, a place-kicker for the San Diego Chargers for 10 seasons. The mission of Great Comebacks is to provide information and inspiration to those facing the physical -and emotional challenges of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), colorectal cancer and ostomy surgery according to their website.

McKinney’s story gained recognition. He was the 2008 Great Comebacks Eastern regional recipient. McKinney’s submission captures his life recalling the multiple surgeries he endured, his mother’s death, his daughter’s death, his divorce, and the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in his oldest son.

Former NFL player and founder of the Great Comebacks Program Rolf Benirschke said McKinney’s submission stood out because his story had a sense of obligation.

‘‘You could tell Patrick wanted to be an inspiration to others. Patrick has an unbreakable spirit,” said Benirschke.

The Great Comebacks Program is about second chances.

McKinney said,‘‘My quality of life has increased since having the permanent pouch implanted. I’m in a rock band. I play ice hockey and softball. I can do everything anyone else can participate in. I don’t let my health condition play an excuse.”

McKinney said it is important people talk about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis to create awareness.

‘‘It’s a difficult subject to talk about but I’m willing to help someone who is going through the same thing I went through.

‘‘One of the greatest challenges I had to face as a teenager⁄young adult was finding someone that could relate to my condition. I would attend support groups, but the age disparity was so great, there was never anyone that could relate to my issues of playing sports, having a meaningful relationship with my spouse, etc.,”said McKinney, ‘‘The Great Comebacks Program is a way for all of us to share our experiences and also give others who have had their lives affected an avenue of support.”

‘‘My wife likes to tell me that it’s not the end of the book, it’s the next chapter. She’s been my rock. She’s been very influential,” said McKinney.

McKinney will participate in the Great Comebacks National Awards program this month in Washington D.C.

In addition to the Great Comebacks National Award, the Great Comebacks Program has created the Tony Snow Public Service Award, in honor of the former White House Advisor and news broadcaster. The inaugural award will be presented Feb. 25 to Robert Cuyler, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot. He is the first Army aviator to fly in a combat zone with an ostomy.

For more information about The Great Comebacks Program, visit www.greatcomebacks.com.