ImproveCareNow College


You are not alone if you have less common IBD symptoms or locations of inflammation

Hi! I am Emma and I want to share the story of my IBD diagnosis because I think it could help others who have less common IBD symptoms and locations of inflammation. It all began when I was a senior in high school. I had this pain in my chest and upper abdomen whenever I ate or drank so I decided to go to the doctor.


IGNITE - It is OK if your illness changes you.

In a matter of days, Caitlyn went from being a full-time student athlete (following her dream of running at a D1 college) to being a full-time patient (diagnosed with IBD and severe visceral hyperalgesia). She went from balancing a rigorous training schedule and school, to managing doctors appointments, meds and nearly constant pain and fatigue. In the midst of this, she turned 21 and was pushed to find an adult care provider who would take her complicated case. She wanted someone to fight for her, who took time to understand how her illness was affecting her life and mental health, who recognized how hard she was fighting and who would support and advocate for her. In time, she found those people. With new treatments, her health began to turn around and she was able to return to school. However, her collegiate running career had come to an end. "I found myself grieving for my past life. For a body that I no longer had."

Once known affectionately as the "runner girl," who was Caitlyn without running? It turns out she is many things! Read her story to find out.

Be inspired by Caitlyn's #IgniteTalk 🔥



Episode 30 of the imPACt podcast - High School, College, Grad School & IBD

Join Vanessa, Hannah and Fionna for their conversation about IBD during different stages of schooling. Between the three, they have lived experiences with both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, with being diagnosed at different life stages (during early education and in high school) and with balancing high school, college and grad school with IBD.


I was given this life because I’m strong enough to live it!

My name is Autumn; I am 20 years old and I am currently in college. I am from Ohio and was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in July of 2008, when I was just six years old. I have had Crohn’s for nearly 14 years. Something most people don’t know about me is that I absolutely love to travel. Long road trips (at night is my favorite!) and going and seeing places I have never been to before is something I really love and enjoy… I see a lot of adventures in my future! A couple places I would love to visit one day would be Canada and Disney World. OH...I really want to fly on a plane!


Episode 19 of the imPACt Podcast - Crohn's & Colitis Awareness Week 2021

Each year, December 1-7 is set aside as Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week - a time to talk about IBD and raise awareness and understanding of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. 


Episode 18 of the imPACt Podcast - IBD & Support Systems

Since we're in the month of gratitude, the PAC wanted to take time to recognize and say thanks for the amazing support we've received.


Episode 16 of the imPACt Podcast - Infusions, Injections, School & Life

Hi, it's Vanessa from the PAC! School is busy right now, but fellow-PAC-member, Fionna and I made time to sit down and record a podcast episode where we chat about personal experiences we've each had changing our IBD treatment plans and how this fits into school and life for us.


PAC Moment: IBD, College & Routines

It’s back to school time! For Fionna accommodations and communicating with her professors has been super helpful! Let’s see what PAC members have to say about managing IBD at college, and how it impacts their routines.


Episode 12 of the imPACt Podcast - Back to School with IBD

Listen in as I (Vanessa) join PAC members Elise, Leela and Madeline for a chat about heading back to school with IBD.


Episode 11 of the imPACt podcast - Transitioning to Adult Care

Episode 11 of the imPACt podcast brings together young adult PAC members and Dr. Michele Maddux, a clinical psychologist at Children’s Mercy Hospital, for a candid discussion about the many aspects of transitioning from pediatric to adult IBD care.


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