2024 Honored heroes
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.
Pediatric Honored Hero
PARKER LECOUNT
Parker was a 5th grader in 2022 when his ankles started hurting and he began limping. His parents thought it was simply “growing pains” and would hopefully, soon pass. However, within a few months, Parker was confined to a wheelchair due to the pain in his joints, lost weight and he had difficulty keeping food down. Through multiple doctors appointments and various specialists, doctors found inflammation in his gut and began the investigation there. After tests and procedures, Parker was diagnosed with Crohn's disease.
Although his Crohn's diagnosis has been difficult (and continues to be a difficult journey), Parker has made it his mission to not only help others, but to do what he can to assist in finding a cure. Parker and his family first joined “Take Steps” in 2023, where Parker was finally able to connect with others. Finding “Take Steps” connected Parker and his family to multiple resources, where together they learned that they aren’t alone. Parker says that: “‘Take Steps’ makes me feel less alone and helps me remember that I’m not the only one going through this. I want to make sure that together, we not only help others, but we find a cure.”
HEALTHCARE Honored Hero
JACKLYN STELLWAY, Psy.D.
Dr. Stellway is a pediatric psychologist with a special focus on pediatric gastroenterology at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital. She has touched the lives of many pediatric IBD patients not only as a provider, but also as a member of the volunteer medical team for the Foundation's Camp Oasis, as a speaker for the Foundation's patient and family education conferences, as a volunteer for Foundation events like Take Steps, and much more. When asked about her role, Dr. Stellway said, "I enjoy meeting many kids with IBD and their families, at all different points in their IBD journey. I am grateful to all these kiddos with IBD. Thank you for helping me learn from your experiences to better support other kids and families. Last summer, I was at Camp Oasis and it was such a fun week seeing happy campers running around doing all the fun activities." Dr. Stellway added, "Thank you for welcoming me into the NW IBD community."
Outside of work, you can find Dr. Stellway spending as much time as she can with her new baby, dog Birdie, and her husband, and being outside (hiking snowboarding, boating). She's a self-proclaimed "mediocre crochet-er," baker, and tennis player, and she likes to listen to audiobooks.
