It can be tempting to use a chronic illness as a shield, but what happens when you choose participation over avoidance? For a long time, Justin found himself caught in the "blame game," using Crohn's disease as a "get out of jail free card" to excuse everyday challenges like oversleeping or missing college deadlines. This avoidance ultimately led to a mindset where he felt less capable in school, life, and his relationships because of his IBD. At our Spring 2026 Live Online Community Conference, Justin spoke about his realization that to move forward, he needed to stop blaming a part of himself he couldn't change. Instead, he chose to get involved with ImproveCareNow and the Patient Advisory Council (PAC), who helped Justin transform into a motivated and outgoing advocate. Through this active participation and his choice to help others, he discovered just how capable he truly is, finding success both as a PAC Co-Chair and in his collegiate endeavors. His #IgniteTalk is a powerful reminder that while we cannot change an IBD diagnosis, choosing to put away the blame game can help us realize our true potential.

Be inspired by Justin's #IgniteTalk 🔥

Sleep disturbance, pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue are prevalent in adolescents and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These symptoms often present in co-occurring sets, known as symptom clusters. We aimed to identify distinct symptom clusters and factors associated with symptom profiles in adolescents with IBD.

Johnson & Johnson recently announced the Federal Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of STELARA® (ustekinumab) for pediatric Crohn’s disease. This approval offers patients over the age of two with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease more treatment options and better access to effective therapies. Ustekinumab is the first non-TNF biologic to treat both adult and pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease two years and older.

After more than a decade since the last major therapeutic approval in 2014, the regulatory approval of ustekinumab for pediatric Crohn’s disease marks more than scientific progress—it represents renewed hope, expanded choice, and a long-overdue commitment to children living with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. By expanding our arsenal, we are taking a major step forward in improving outcomes and quality of life for children facing this challenging condition.

– Shehzad Saeed, MD, FAAP, AGAF, Clinical Director, ImproveCareNow 

Healthy nutrition is more than what’s on our plates, it’s often a lifeline, a form of empowerment, and a source of hope for families navigating chronic health conditions.

My name is Leah, and I am a parent on the ImproveCareNow Parent/Family Advisory Council (PFAC) with two children diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. In 2016, our world turned upside down when both our children were diagnosed with IBD. We were nervous, scared, and overwhelmed facing not one but two Crohn’s diagnoses. Our wonderful GI, Dr. Suskind, discussed various treatment options, one of which included a dietary therapy approach that he had been newly researching called the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD). I went home from the hospital armed with food lists and determination and got started right away on a new way of cooking.

On Rhys' very first day home from the hospital, his Mom and Dad knew something wasn't right. This is Rhys' story in his Mom, Colby's words.

Meet Antonio and read his story about growing up with Crohn's and how it has evolved from a burden into something that is inspiring a future career in medicine.

Tune in as Caitlyn and Fionna chat with professional runner, Grayson Murphy (@racin_grayson) about running (and really all athletic pursuits) and IBD.

Hi! My name is Isabella, and I was diagnosed in October of 2023 with Crohn's disease. I began my treatment with Remicade infusions which helped bring my inflammation levels down. Unfortunately, I was still experiencing symptoms caused by a stricture in my ileocecal valve. This led me to visit a dietitian who recommended a dietary therapy called the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD). With the SCD, I saw extreme symptom improvement and began to live a life free from the daily struggle of sickness and stomach aches. In June of 2024, I also underwent an ileocecal resection to remove all stricturing. Since then, I have been in total remission, and living a happy and healthy life, enjoying hobbies such as cooking, volunteering in my community, working at a local children's salon, and spending time with friends!

Hi everyone. My name is Elizabeth and I've been a member of the Patient Advisory Council (PAC) for about a year now. I'm excited that I will soon be serving the ICN community as PAC Co-Chair! Here's a bit about me and what I hope to work on during my time co-leading the PAC, and what I see as my main challenge.