55th Annual Gala

We honor the memory of Dr. Burton Korelitz, a physician who spent more than 60 years improving clinical care for IBD patients. Dr. Korelitz, who died at the age of 95, co-founded the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Greater New York Chapter. He previously served as the chair of the Foundation’s National Scientific Advisory Committee, as Chief Emeritus and Director of Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Lenox Hill, and as a Clinical Professor of Medicine at New York University School of Medicine.

Revered by both his patients and colleagues, Dr. Korelitz’s research efforts were instrumental in helping clinicians understand how to use specific medications, including azulfidine and aminosalicylate products, intravenous and oral steroids, and current biologicals. In addition, his dedication and strong interest in the natural course and complications of IBD as well as understanding dysplasia and cancer surveillance in colitis has made a life-changing difference to countless patients and families.

Dr. Korelitz is survived by his wife, Ann (a family therapist) and his daughters, Nina and Jean, 2 sons-in-law and 4 grandchildren.

At this year’s 55th Annual Gala, we will celebrate the incredible life of this IBD medical pioneer, as we reflect on his influential legacy of revolutionizing care for patients living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.