Honorees
Honored Heroes share their stories to let other patients know they are not alone on their journeys — because no one should face the challenges and uncertainty of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in isolation. Through their stories, Honorees raise awareness of these diseases, raise funds to support the Foundation’s mission and inspire hope in those living with IBD.
Meet Our Honorees
Julia Murdock, Pediatric Patient Honored Hero
This is Julia Murdock. She is 13 years old, and she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2020 (at 9 years old) after years of mysterious stomach pain, throat ulcers and multiple other symptoms. The last 3 years since her diagnosis have been a whirlwind of tests, infusions, allergic reactions, hospital stays, and home injections. Being a middle schooler with an invisible disease is hard both physically and emotionally but Julia has managed to keep a positive attitude and outlook. She decided to fundraise for the 2022 Take Steps walk because she wanted to play a part in helping her fellow IBD warriors. She started team “Pain in the gut” which was able to raise over $1600 and she was thrilled about having been able to contribute so much to such a great cause. When it came time to start fundraising for the 2023 walk, Julia knew that she wanted to raise the bar and try to beat her donations from the previous walk. She decided to host a lemonade stand that ended up raising over $500 in one day. That brought her 2023 team donation total to a whopping $2,835. She is already looking forward to fundraising for the 2024 walk, brainstorming ways to make as big of an impact as she can!
Tina Wischhover, Adult Patient Honored Hero
Chris Wischhover, Caregiver Honored Hero
I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2019 after a blackout moment that would inevitably change my life as I knew it.
As I finished getting ready one morning in August, my husband Chris, came in to say goodbye before he left for a company golf outing. Barely catching me before I hit my head on the tiled floor, he cradled me, shaking me, calling my name, and even though I could hear him, I could not respond. Chris picked me up, carried me to the car, and drove me to the E.R.
After my third visit in six months, I’m finally admitted. I had not shared many of the issues and feelings I had been enduring, both mentally and physically with Chris or anyone for that matter. I finally told Chris and my family everything I was experiencing. On day four in the hospital, the lead doctor came in and said that they had done all they could at this time, and it would be necessary for me to be transferred to another hospital.
Once I was admitted to UChicago I was finally able to breathe and feel the weight of all the stress leave my shoulders. I was given my own IBD team of doctors and students who were very thorough and brought me a sense of comfort. After a handful of days, I was put on new medications that allowed me to manage my symptoms and I was able to go home. I was finally able to sleep in my bed for the first time in eleven days.
While I was at UChicago, I was prescribed Entyvio, and I would receive infusions every 8 weeks for the foreseeable future. The first concern that came upon me was, “Will I be able to get pregnant and start a family if I receive these infusions,” “If I do get pregnant, will I pass this disease onto my baby,” and “Will I go into a flare during my pregnancy/will being pregnant make my disease worse?”
I have been receiving Entyvio infusions since October 2019, and this has allowed me to live a “normal” life. Chris and I have participated in Take Steps since 2020, and both became volunteer board members in 2021, before stepping away in 2023. I am beyond thankful for the support that Take Steps, the volunteers, and all the doctors and nurses have provided me in my journey living with this disease. I also cannot thank my company enough, for their understanding and support, allowing me to take the time necessary to rest and recover before returning to work, while also making sure that I was compensated during that time so the stress of impending medical bills would not be so overwhelming. Most of all, I appreciate my husband, Chris, for all he has done for me throughout this journey, as we quickly were put to the test of our wedding vows, “in sickness and in health!” As of today, I am happy and proud to say we have welcomed two beautiful daughters, Shay and Leah, who have joined us in our fight to support Take Steps and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation so that one day a cure may be found!
To see Tina and Chris’s full story on Tina’s Team page (Wisching for a Cure) HERE.
The Chicagoland Children's Health Alliance Infusion Team,
Health Care Honored Heroes
Alicia (MA), Ashley (RDMS), Carolyn (RN), Dee (RN), Kalan (CCLS), Licia (RN), Melissa (RN), Nichole (PharmD), Tracy (APRN)
The Chicagoland Children’s Health Alliance-Pediatric Outpatient Center focuses on each child’s complete medicals needs while providing personalized, seamless care coordination. The alliance is a partnership among Advocate Children’s Hospital, Pediatrics at NorthShore University HealthSystem and UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital. Our goal is to support patients’ and families’ needs for the highest level of pediatric care with easier access to our network of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialities across Chicagoland. These pediatric subspecialists work collaboratively at our Wilmette outpatient center.
Within our infusion center, the majority of patients we serve are a part of the IBD community. Our staff has and continues to show support for our patients by creating a team and participating in the walk for the past three years. In 2023, our team expanded beyond the infusion staff and included members throughout our outpatient center. We were blown away by the support we received and hope to build that momentum in 2024! We love seeing staff, providers, patients, and families come together outside of the medical setting for a great cause and to build relationships. Our staff truly believes that great pediatric care can go beyond the doctor's office!
To nominate a Take Steps Honoree, please complete this form.
