I’m Ty Arbogast, a 14 year old with a passion for go-kart racing and a heart that's changing the game.
My story is more than just about crossing finish lines; it's about conquering life's toughest tracks.
At the age of 1, I was diagnosed with “failure to thrive”. At the age of 5, I began my open wheel racing career. 4 years later I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata. At age 11, I faced a lengthy pit stop - a diagnosis of Crohn's Disease. I had fevers of over 105 degrees for days, severe stomach pain, frequent restroom visits, was fatigued and lethargic. I began treatment with a biologic and began to feel better. Instead of letting it be a roadblock, I hit the accelerator and launched Racing with Crohn's, a foundation that's turning laps into hope for others facing similar challenges. I have a mission. I am not just racing for myself; I’m the voice of kids dealing with the ups and downs of life-long illnesses. I am not just racing for awareness either; I am racing against bullying. I know the struggles firsthand, and I am determined to make sure no kid faces it alone. My foundation isn't just about raising funds; it's a platform for education, breaking down barriers, and letting every kid with Crohn's know they're not alone.
I am not your average racer. I am hard working, talented and I’m winning championships. I am rubbing shoulders with stars on and off the track at Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation events like Take Steps and taking the stage as a mission speaker at their Legacy Gala. My story is making headlines, not just in local newspapers but on national news, in magazines, and across social media.
Along with racing, I also compete in Brazilian JiuJitsu, run Cross Country, and Track and Field. Since I live with Crohn’s Disease, it’s no Sunday drive. I deal with many of the same symptoms (fatigue, brain fog, stomach pain, many trips to the restroom, etc) as other moderate-severe Crohn’s disease patients deal with every day. .
I am not just dreaming of winning races and becoming a professional driver; I am dreaming of a future where Crohn's is a thing of the past, and I am playing an active part in funding a cure.
So, every time I rev up that engine, every turn I take, it's not just about the race – it's about showing a nation what a determined kid with a big heart can do. I, Ty Arbogast, as the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s 2024 Honored Hero, am taking us all on a journey where compassion leads the way, and every lap brings us closer to a world where no child fights alone.
