Hi, my name is Emily and I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in December of 2023. Something interesting about me is that I met my idol, the voice actor of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars, Ashley Eckstein. I joined the PAC in February 2024.

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.

Hello Everyone! My name is Palwasha and I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2020, at the age of 15. My diagnosis is one of the main reasons why I want to pursue a future in medicine as a Physician Associate, and be able to help with research and advancements for the IBD community, as there is so much room for growth.

I'm 19 years old, and I have Crohn's disease. I was diagnosed in 2012 when I was eight years old. One interesting fact is that I know how to surf even though I'm from West Virginia. I struggle the most with not letting Crohn's consume my life.

I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at six years old, a year after I started experiencing symptoms. I have now been managing this chronic illness for 16 years! In addition to being diagnosed young, I was living in the Netherlands at the time -- while I wasn't born here, all of my family is from here and Dutch was my first language.

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!

Hey everyone, my name is Benjamin. I had symptoms for several months, but I was finally diagnosed with Crohn's when I was 11. After trying several medications and treatments, I am now on Remicade, and have been symptom free for five years. I love to play sports and hang out with my friends. One fact people may not know about me is that I was born in Switzerland.

Hi! My name is Fizza, and I am 17 years old. I was diagnosed in March 2021 with Crohn’s disease. One interesting thing people don’t know about me is that I love to do makeup. It’s like therapy to me.

LOOP is an important venue for our community to keep #TalkingAboutIBD. It’s a place where #StoriesMatter - where they connect us, grow our confidence, validate our experiences, remind us we are not alone, and motivate us to continue improving together.

So far, in 2021, 70 stories have been shared #InTheLOOP. Patients, clinicians, parents, dietitians, researchers, and staff & leaders from across the ICN Community have written about IBD from their unique perspectives. They have covered topics ranging from support and advocacy to the importance of sharing openly and talking about IBD, from research and innovative projects to personal struggles, triumphs and hopes for the future.

Without further ado, here are the stories you read the most in 2021!

My name is Lordis, I am a 16 year old senior in High School and I have Crohn’s disease. I work at TJ Maxx part time, as well as with children at my local community center. A lot of people don’t know that I like to paint and make bracelets.