Honorees - Rachel ZErUll & Sutton Seigel
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. See their stories below!
Rachel Zerull - Adult Warrior Honored Hero
Arizona Chapter Support Group Leader & Young Professional Group Leader
"I've had digestive issues most of life, but always brushed them off as 'normal'. Doctors always told me to just take OTC meds and eat healthier food. But everything changed in my 20s. As a focused career woman working overtime, I didn’t have time for my digestive health. It wasn't until I got my first EPIC flare that I *finally* realized, this is NOT normal. Thankfully, my diagnosis of Crohn’s' Disease came quickly and I reluctantly accepted that my digestive issues needed work.
Being an analytical career woman, I researched and read everything I could about Crohn’s disease. Finding the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation support groups led me to amazing people who understood my challenges and helped me cope with this new lifelong “career" of managing my digestive health. Most importantly, they taught me how to talk about my disease and how to seek help.
This involvement led me to the Young Professionals Group, advocating to my local Representatives, participating and volunteering for the Take Steps Walks, and even working as a Temp for the Foundation twice. Now that I've climbed Mt Remission (at least temporarily), my IBD "career" has shifted into giving back to the Foundation and community. By leading the East Valley Adult support group, I share the Foundation's resources with struggling patients and give them HOPE that remission is possible. No matter where you are in your IBD "career", I invite you to participate in the Foundation's welcoming community and take advantage of their resources.
I always tell patients that the Take Steps Walk is the BIGGEST, BEST, and MOST FUN patient centered event in Phoenix. You will feel seen, heard, inspired, proud, celebrated, and UNASHAMED of the challenges you face. Even if you are in the middle of a flare, you will be in good company. There will be plenty of bathrooms for quick getaways and plenty of chairs for resting (you don't even have to walk!). I hope you will join me and hundreds of other community members at the Phoenix Take Steps Walk! See you there!"
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.
To nominate a future Take Steps Honoree, please complete this form.
Sutton Seigel - Pediatric Warrior Honored Hero
"When I was 5 weeks old it was my first time being admitted to the hospital, I could not eat or gain weight and that was the start of my GI journey. While I was at Phoenix Children's they found out that I had a bunch of different GI and feeding issues, everything got better for a long time, but then when I was 7 I started losing weight again and I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I tried a few different biologic medications, they worked a little bit but we decided that I would have a colon resection in October 2022. My surgery went well but there were some complications afterwards and I ended up having to spend some more time in the hospital and ICU. I also had to get an ostomy and start another new medication to make me better. Thanks to my doctors and all of their hard work I am now growing and so healthy!!!!
My favorite thing is to play soccer and spend time with my family, friends and dogs!!!!! Just being able to be healthy enough to be with everyone and do what I love is such a blessing!!!
I want everyone to know about Crohn's disease and all types of IBD, the more people that know and can donate to my fundraising, maybe a cure can be found!!!! I feel so grateful that I have met other kids with IBD and have their support on the hard days, to know that someone else knows what I go through and how I feel makes it easier to cope with my chronic illness and it shows that IBD is not all that I am!!!"
