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I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) in the late Fall of 2021, my sophomore year of high school. A few months prior to my diagnosis, I began to have stomach pains and blood was present in my stool. My dad, who also suffers from UC, knew these were symptoms of the disease and that the disease was hereditary. We quickly began to work with our family physician to schedule a visit with a gastroenterologist and pursue a colonoscopy. We found a talented, dedicated doctor, began treatment and through the colonoscopy confirmed the disease.
While my doctor looked for treatments that would improve my quality of life, I missed several weeks of school and couldn’t fully participate in sports for a few months. While I was able to mostly keep up with my schoolwork from home, it was very difficult not being able to play sports, a huge part of my life. In particular, I took a major step back in basketball during my Sophomore year due to the disease and a few severe ankle sprains throughout the season.
Initially, we tried a variety of treatments, including a variety of oral medications and enemas. These treatments helped a great deal and I was able to return to school in person and resume athletics. However, my symptoms did not entirely go away. I would have a few good weeks and challenging weeks - the situation shifting back and forth. About a year ago, I started infusion treatments at the University of Michigan’s Children’s Hospital. Since the switch to infusions, I haven’t had any flare ups or debilitating symptoms at all.
I consider myself fortunate to have achieved significant success in my treatment, enabling me to pursue my passions wholeheartedly. In my high school journey, I've been a proud member of the Ann Arbor Pioneer Tennis program, earning four Varsity letters and contributing to teams that achieved remarkable rankings within Michigan's highest division (2nd, 5th, 9th, and 8th place).
During this time, I served as a two-time captain and occupied the #1 Singles position, receiving recognition as an Honorable Mention All-State singles player in my senior year. Additionally, I've contributed as a key member of the highly ranked Ann Arbor Pioneer Basketball team, earning two Varsity letters.
I also have plans to play high school golf this spring and have been able to fully reengage with my love of outdoor activities, including fishing the beautiful lakes and trout streams throughout Michigan. Most importantly, I will be graduating from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School this spring with a 4.0 GPA and will be pursuing a degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering. While I haven’t made a decision on where I will be attending college, I am very happy with the options I already have to date.
My disease has taught me the importance of responsibility - taking medication as prescribed, eating appropriately, staying on top of my schoolwork, and finding hobbies outside of sports. I am also extremely thankful that after a bumpy Sophomore year, I have been extremely fortunate and blessed to enjoy a near normal life. I won’t take this second chance for granted. I know firsthand from my dad and my first cousin, who are also patients, that not everyone is as fortunate.
As a result of my condition and the impact it has had on my broader family, I am committed to being a positive role model to show what is possible and to raise awareness and funds to help people suffering with UC and Crohn's Disease. I am excited to be the Pediatric Honored Hero for West Michigan Take Steps and look forward to making a difference in the lives of all people suffering with these challenging diseases. I know, firsthand, how important it can be to have people that share the same challenges to help you to navigate the disease to a successful outcome. My goal these first six months of 2024 is to help as many people as I can with my message and to raise much needed funding to provide educational resources for families coping with the disease and for researchers working to improve treatments.
Coping with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD) can be extremely challenging and isolating. That’s why I’m participating in Take Steps, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s largest nationwide fundraising campaign — to raise awareness and funds to accelerate the progress of breakthrough research and to support critical patient programs. Will you support me with a donation or join me in fundraising for Take Steps?
Please help me reach my personal goal — because no one should face the challenge and uncertainty of IBD alone. Your donation to my fundraising efforts will help the Foundation invest in cures for the future, while providing support to patients today.
