Evening of Hope- Mardi Gras

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Emily Kropp was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at 10 years old. She spent years on tube feeds and home Intravenous nutrition as the disease affected her growth at such a critical time in a child’s life. She then thrived and went off to college to pursue nursing as her home care nurses were an inspiration to her. Years later, Emily had a setback and needed her first bowel resection surgery in 2012. At that point the biologics were introduced, and quality of life eventually resumed as somewhat normal again. However, 5 years later during the height of the pandemic she required a second bowel resection after many obstructions and strictures developed. Three biologics later she is back to embracing life and deals with the daily challenges as the norm. Her family, her life partner, Jason and most importantly her mom Helene have been her cheerleaders and biggest supports when enduring those unsurmountable challenges throughout her life. Overall, Emily feels incredibly lucky and has had a wonderful healthcare team throughout her illness journey. As she moved from NYC to Philadelphia, she was eventually connected with Dr. James Lewis who is always willing to think outside the box and try anything to help her optimize her quality of life with a chronic illness. Emily became involved in Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation in 2008 and in 2010, she formed a team for the Ocean City Guts and Glory 5K. It only made sense as that is where the Kropp family grew up spending their summers. Each year her team has grown in size, and they have raised nearly $90,000 towards the mission of Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation! With these efforts she has brought attention to the disease within her personal and professional community and their outpouring of love has been remarkable. The foundation has helped her in so many ways emotionally and physically and ultimately finding a cure is what keeps her motivated.

Emily leads and active life despite the bumps in the road that a chronic illness brings. She is a nurse manager at the Cancer Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Emily has loved attending Evening of Hope through the years with family even during its virtual stint in 2020 right before her surgery. Emily’s mother Helene was the most devoted caregiver as her childhood was faced with many daunting days. She was a huge support and without her dedication to helping her heal as well as her commitment and enthusiasm and generosity to the Guts and Glory 5k each year, this award would not be possible. Helene will be truly missed this year at the Gala.