Carnival for a Cure

Where the boardwalk meets the ballroom

"In January of 2022, just as I was getting ready to leave for my semester abroad in Australia, I started feeling sick. For better or worse, since my father has Crohn's and my paternal grandmother had ulcerative colitis, my parents were able to spring into action and get me to the right doctor quickly. There's good news and bad news. I quickly received a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, BUT I almost immediately had to have surgery. Of course, it threw my plans completely awry and I missed that semester both abroad and even at my home University, Boston University. Even six months later, when I finally returned to school I was still dealing with symptoms of IBD. Eventually I did go to Australia, but everything is more complicated, from having doctors in NYC, Boston and Sydney to getting medications in every location. In spite of this, I know I am so fortunate that I have parents who know how to navigate the challenges of medical system, here and abroad! Being a part of a three generation IBD family gives me some advantages and some pretty large disadvantages. My grandparents were board members of the Long Island Chapter of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation for close to 20 years. So we knew where to reach out for help right away. I guess the biggest disadvantage is --THREE GENERATIONS OF IBD! My commitment and that of my family is NO MORE. With our dedication and that of thousands of others in New York and around the country, we plan to put an end to this disease. I hope I can count on your help by coming to the event, making a donation, or considering a sponsorship. Please click here to donate. I thank you, my family thanks you and the 3 million IBD patients in the United States thank you."