Honorees- Eva Kwapich & Hudson Raatz
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!
Eva Kwapich - 2024 Co-Honored Hero
"When I was 9 years old, I went to my well child appointment only to discover I had lost a lot of weight. Initially my doctor wasn’t concerned. Covid lockdown had occurred making lifestyles shift. I returned 3 months later having gained weight so we went about our lives. But just a year later, my weight hadn’t changed and my height didn’t either so we did labs and growth X-rays, which turned to a GI referral and quickly confirmed the diagnosis of moderate to severe Crohn’s Disease in my small intestines. With the help of biologic injections every other Saturday, I am growing and thriving!
Our family didn’t know anything about Crohn’s disease but together we knew we wanted to learn as much as we could and fundraise to help find a cure. We made a Take Steps team right away and found other resources through online parent groups which lead us to the Foundation website. There we learned about the opportunity of Camp Oasis, which at the time was hosting at home options through the pandemic. Connecting with others online helped me understand I am not alone.
When I’m not in school, you can find me out hiking the trails with my family, spending time in the kitchen cooking or baking, hanging out with my friends and family, volunteering at church, making bracelets or crafting. Being creative and helping others makes me happy!
I am still working on finding my voice to share with others about IBD - Crohn’s Disease. I continue to pray for a cure and the ability to share my story in hopes it encourages and inspires others facing IBD or any chronic illness that there is life outside of a diagnosis. Crohn’s disease does not define me… or you!"
Hudson Raatz - 2024 Co-Honored Hero
"I was diagnosed with Crohn’s in April 0f 2020 at the age of 8 and a half. What led to my diagnosis was a large amount of weight loss and stomach pain. I want to express that my journey through it was hard; there were lots of medical appointments, doctor visits and getting used to all the different medicines. I began with oral medicine and now take that along with a biologic. I always kept high hopes that I would be okay. My doctors at Banner Medical are always so trustworthy and kind and they helped me get through hard times. I am so thankful for all the medical staff as well as the people that run the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. My family found the foundation early on and their guidance and advice and support has helped so much. I can thankfully say that I have been in remission since February 2023.
Crohn’s is a part of me. But I am so much more!!
I have the most amazing family that supports me! My mom and dad help me with everything and I love my goofy dogs! Moki is our 7year old Beagle and Philly is our loveable pound puppy!
I am in the 5th grade and love school. Math is my favorite subject and I get to help represent my school this year in our Math bowl. I play sports and love running around with my dog. This Spring I will be starting my sixth year playing basketball and have started playing in a flag football league. I love to collect NBA, NFL and Pokemon cards and build legos. I also take art classes and really love to draw. I hope that one day I can play in the NBA and then work in Oceanography and help sharks. I KNOW that with the help that Take Steps and the Foundation offer, along with staying healthy I WILL get to do all these things!
This will be my third Take Steps walk. Last year we had it at my school and it was amazing to have all the teachers, friends and family join then and I am glad that Take Steps is back with an even larger presence this year!!!!"
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