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IBD HEROES

Our IBD heroes demonstrate true strength and courage when they open up about their lives and share their IBD journeys. The following stories will inspire and empower you — and remind our patients that they are never truly alone.

Christopher Nicklaw

Christopher, captain of the Take Steps team "But You Don’t Look Sick!", has navigated a transformative journey since his Crohn’s disease diagnosis three years ago. What began as a disruptive force ultimately led him to reexamine his priorities, embracing practices like meditation, spiritual growth, and physical discipline to find resilience and strength. Childhood health issues hinted at the path ahead, but Crohn's taught him to slow down and focus on what matters most: health, family, and well-being. Now thriving, he’s dedicated to raising awareness and supporting the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, envisioning a future free from IBD and advocating for those facing similar battles.

David and Soleil Levy

Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 12, following what seemed like a lingering stomach bug, David gradually came to terms with sharing a condition that ran in his family. Despite a relatively normal childhood, there were many reminders of his illness—special school accommodations, giving up sports due to anemia, and even nearly missing his college graduation because of his health. He managed it quietly for most of his life, only sharing when necessary. But two years ago, his daughter Soleil was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, which profoundly shifted his perspective. He now sees his journey with ulcerative colitis as preparation to support her and is more dedicated than ever to finding better treatments and a cure for these diseases. His decades-long experience fuels his belief that solutions are within reach.

Hudson Raatz

Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at eight years old, Hudson faced challenges from the start, with weight loss, pain, and adjusting to frequent medical appointments and medications, now including a biologic alongside oral medicine. With the support of caring doctors and guidance from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, he reached remission in February 2023 and is deeply grateful for the journey and support. Crohn’s disease may be a part of him, but he’s so much more! Now in 5th grade, he loves math and represents his school in the Math Bowl, plays basketball and flag football, and enjoys building Lego sets, collecting sports and Pokémon cards, and drawing in art class. With a dream of playing in the NBA and later working in oceanography to help sharks, he’s confident he’ll achieve it all with the support of his family, including his dogs Moki and Philly. He’s excited for his third Take Steps this year, thrilled to see it grow and bring together even more friends, family, and supporters.

Tasha Moehring

Tasha Moehring, BSN, RN, has been a dedicated nurse since 2015 and by 2023 found her calling as an Ambulatory GI/Colorectal Nurse, blending her professional skills with personal experience. Her life changed when she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, leading to an intense four-month battle that ended in a total colectomy and ileostomy. Rather than being defeated, Tasha’s resilience and empathy deepened, especially for her IBD patients. Her journey fuels her commitment to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, where she finds purpose in contributing to the pursuit of a cure and offering hope to others facing similar challenges.

Local Honored Heroes

We honor patients and advocates at each Take Steps event nationwide each year. These local Honored Heroes are central to the Foundation’s mission , and their stories shed light on the difficult journey of IBD patients across the country. Each honored hero works with their local chapter to spread awareness in the community through their fundraising efforts and fearlessly sharing their story.

Know someone who would be a great Honored Hero? Nominate them today.

 

Share Your Story

Your story has the power to touch the lives of patients and their families living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Your story may inspire a patient to take that next step in their life or empower a patient to make that next difficult decision.

 

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation App

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