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.
I know firsthand how quickly life can change. Within two years, I went from having a routine colonoscopy that showed nothing of concern to experiencing Crohn’s symptoms so severely that I was ready to end my life.
Nine months after receiving the “all clear” from my routine colonoscopy, I began experiencing what I later found out to be Crohn’s symptoms. I lost a tremendous amount of weight in a short period of time. I suddenly needed to know where the restroom was at all times. Food became my body’s worst enemy. After being misdiagnosed and mistreated for months, my condition rapidly deteriorated to the point where my family knew they had to do something drastic or they were going to lose me.
In October 2017, my family drove me to a new doctor in Indianapolis and made the declaration that we weren’t leaving that office until we had answers. I had lost hope and knew that, if I didn’t get help that day, I was going to end my life. Thankfully, my doctor saw the severity of my situation and took immediate action. After 11 days in the hospital, I received an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
I left the hospital that October feeling hopeful my life was going to improve and that’s exactly what happened. Although I still live with the symptoms, my infusion treatments and diet help me manage them. Plus, I have the tremendous support of my family and many doctors that play key roles in my IBD health.
Invisible illnesses can be incredibly isolating and I knew finding a support system of people who I can relate to would be beneficial; that’s why I got involved with Take Steps. Meeting other IBD patients and hearing their stories year after year has given me more hope. I believe that, one day, a cure will be found so no one else has to endure these same trials.
There are 3.1 million of us living with IBD which means, although we might not feel it, we are never alone in this journey. There’s always someone ready to fight on your behalf. Don’t give up until you find the support you need!
I’m Ty Arbogast, a 14 year old with a passion for go-kart racing and a heart that's changing the game. My story is more than just about crossing finish lines; it's about conquering life's toughest tracks.
At the age of 1, I was diagnosed with “failure to thrive”. At the age of 5, I began my open wheel racing career. 4 years later I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata. At age 11, I faced a lengthy pit stop - a diagnosis of Crohn's Disease. I had fevers of over 105 degrees for days, severe stomach pain, frequent restroom visits, was fatigued and lethargic. I began treatment with a biologic and began to feel better. Instead of letting it be a roadblock, I hit the accelerator and launched Racing with Crohn's, a foundation that's turning laps into hope for others facing similar challenges. I have a mission. I am not just racing for myself; I’m the voice of kids dealing with the ups and downs of life-long illnesses. I am not just racing for awareness either; I am racing against bullying. I know the struggles firsthand, and I am determined to make sure no kid faces it alone. My foundation isn't just about raising funds; it's a platform for education, breaking down barriers, and letting every kid with Crohn's know they're not alone.
I am not your average racer. I am hard working, talented and I’m winning championships. I am rubbing shoulders with stars on and off the track at Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation events like Take Steps and taking the stage as a mission speaker at their Legacy Gala. My story is making headlines, not just in local newspapers but on national news, in magazines, and across social media.
Along with racing, I also compete in Brazilian JiuJitsu, run Cross Country, and Track and Field. Since I live with Crohn’s Disease, it’s no Sunday drive. I deal with many of the same symptoms (fatigue, brain fog, stomach pain, many trips to the restroom, etc) as other moderate-severe Crohn’s disease patients deal with every day. .
I am not just dreaming of winning races and becoming a professional driver; I am dreaming of a future where Crohn's is a thing of the past, and I am playing an active part in funding a cure. So, every time I rev up that engine, every turn I take, it's not just about the race – it's about showing a nation what a determined kid with a big heart can do. I, Ty Arbogast, as the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s 2024 Honored Hero, am taking us all on a journey where compassion leads the way, and every lap brings us closer to a world where no child fights alone.
