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 🔥

Hi, my name is Justin, and I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2021. I am on Remicade. I am currently a rising junior in high school, and my interests are in law.