STORIES
Our IBD heroes demonstrate true strength and courage when they open up about their lives and share their IBD journeys. The following stories are meant to inspire and empower you and remind our patients that they are never truly alone.
Jeremy Rosenblum
A month after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2015, Jeremy received a phone call from a team member at the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. The Foundation offered comfort, support, and resources as Jeremy grappled with his diagnosis. From that point on, he knew he wanted to support the Foundation and help other patients like himself. Eight years later, Jeremy has raised over $85,000 for Take Steps and is proud to be a Take Steps Honored Hero.
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 a Take Steps Honored Hero and looks forward to sharing her journey with the IBD community.
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 was 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 so she turned to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation to learn more. The experience inspired her 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 a pediatric honored hero.
Chloee Hunt
Chloee first learned about the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation in 2021 when she and her mother 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, 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.
Local Honored Heroes
Each year, we honor patients and advocates at each Take Steps event nationwide. These local Honored Heroes are central to the mission of the Foundation and their stories shed light on the difficult journey of IBD patients across the country experience. Each honored hero works with their local chapter to spread awareness in the community through their fundraising efforts and by 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 be what inspires a patient to take that next step in his or her life or empowers a patient to make that next difficult decision.
