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Take Steps

Take Steps Toward Cures For IBD

Every Step Moves Us Closer Toward Cures

Coping with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD) can be extremely challenging and isolating. Join us for Take Steps as, together, we honor the journeys of those living with IBD. Every step we take and every dollar we raise together will create awareness, fund research, and show everyone touched by this isolating disease that they are not alone.

Honored Heroes

These Honored Heroes have shared their stories to let other patients know they are not alone on their journeys — because no one should face the challenges and uncertainty of IBD in isolation.

Chloee Hunt

Chloee Hunt

Chloee first learned about the Foundation in 2021 when she and her mother were driving home from a doctor’s appointment and heard a Take Steps ad on the radio. Chloee had recently been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, was losing weight, and in a wheelchair due a bone fracture. Upon hearing the ad for Take Steps, she felt it was a sign that she needed to get involved and attended her first Take Steps walk in 2021. Fast forward one year, Chloee’s health began to improve and in 2022 she provided singing entertainment at the Dallas Take Steps Walk, along with her performance group the MicroChicks.

Jaidin Germinario

Jaidin Germinario

Jaidin is a 17 year old Crohn’s disease patient. Soon after her diagnosis at age 11, Jaidin and her family found the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and started participating in Take Steps. Last year alone, Jaidin’s Journey raised over $18,000 for Take Steps through family and friend donations, in addition to hosting amazingly successful fundraisers at TGI Fridays. Jaidin is excited to be the 2023 Jersey Shore Honored Hero and looks forward to sharing her journey with the IBD community.

Ted Phaeton

Ted Phaeton

When I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis back in 2010, I didn’t know what to do or where to go. I was lost at sea without a compass or sail. Two years later a nasty flare up landed me in the hospital for two weeks and I almost lost my large intestine. That’s the day I decided to focus on positivity and gratitude while improving my health. I’m 10 years into that journey and am happy to say I haven’t been hospitalized since. This is thanks to my meds, my doctors, and a community that strives to take steps towards a better future. By taking steps together, I know we can create a better experience, better treatment, and a better life for all!

Gabby Andersen

Gabby Andersen

Diagnosed 2 years ago with both Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis, in the beginning, it was rough, said Gabby. At first, she didn’t want her family to know about it. She didn’t even know what these diseases were when she was first diagnosed so she decided to learn and found the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. From there she began her journey to raise awareness by participating in Take Steps. “When bad things happen, I say bad things happen for better things to come. I like to say that I was diagnosed to talk about it.” Gabby is thrilled to continue supporting Take Steps as this year’s pediatric honored hero, and WE are honored to be a part of her IBD journey!

Where Your Dollars Will Go

Invested over

$500M

in research

Added more than

48,000

restrooms in our We Can’t Wait app

Engaged with over

2M

patients & caregivers in 2021

Hosted more than

20,000

campers at Camp Oasis since 1996

Take steps today

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Find a Take Steps event in your community and register today.

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Top Fundraising Teams

Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors!

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Crohn's and Colitis Foundation App

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Raise more money and awareness right from the palm of your hand. Email your contacts for support directly from your phone, check fundraising progress, connect to social media, view event details, and more! Reaching your fundraising goal is easy and convenient when you have the app.