Teenagers with Crohns

 Hi, I'm Alex, and I'm 16 years old. I'm a junior in high school, and I'm on the track and field team. I love running, especially the 400-meter and 800-meter races.  

When I started losing weight, getting stomach aches and feeling more tired than my friends, my mom took me to the doctor. My parents and I found a great gastroenterologist and  I started taking medications that helped reduce the inflammation in my digestive tract. It took some time to find the right combination, but eventually, things started to get better.

I still get flare-ups when I eat certain foods. I think changes in the season even cause my flare-ups! 

I try not to think about having Crohn's Disease. At first, I thought I would never be pain-free. It is so much better now and I am still getting PB's.

I'm Bella, a 17-year-old track hurdler navigating high school while living with Crohn’s Disease. Balancing practices, races, and AP classes is tough enough, but add unpredictable flare-ups, hospital stays, and catching up on schoolwork, and the challenge grows tenfold. I’ve missed countless days of school, fallen behind on assignments, and struggled with the pressure of keeping up while my friends moved ahead. But I refused to let Crohn’s define me. I worked with my school to get a 504 Plan, stayed in constant communication with my teachers, and learned to push through on my good days. Track has always been my escape, but it hasn’t been easy—flare-ups forced me to withdraw from races, and I had to modify my training to avoid exhaustion. Still, every hurdle I clear on the track reminds me that I can overcome obstacles off of it, too. As I search for colleges, I have to consider more than academics and athletics—I need to be close to a good hospital and find a supportive program that understands my condition. While my friends have more freedom in their choices, I’m making the best decision for me, ensuring I can thrive in school, in sports, and in health. Crohn’s has thrown me hurdles, but I keep running. If you’re facing a similar battle, know that you’re not alone, and your journey—though different—is just as strong. I’m Bella, and I refuse to let Crohn’s stop me.

I’m Jake, a 13-year-old basketball player navigating middle school while living with Crohn’s Disease. Balancing practices, games, and school is tough enough, but add unpredictable flare-ups, hospital stays, and catching up on classwork, and the challenge becomes overwhelming. I’ve missed school, fallen behind on assignments, and struggled with the pressure of keeping up while my friends played without worry. I also felt embarrassed about bathroom situations, often worrying about having to leave class or practice suddenly. I had to learn to email and keep constant communication with my teachers, and pushed through on test days. Basketball has always been my passion, but it hasn’t been easy—flare-ups forced me to sit out games, and I had to adjust my training to conserve energy. Still, every time I step onto the court, I remind myself that I’m stronger than my disease. As I think about high school, I have to consider more than just academics and sports—I need to be close to good medical care and find a team that understands my condition. While my friends don’t have to worry about these things, I’m making choices that will allow me to succeed in school, in basketball, and in my health. Crohn’s has put obstacles in my way, but I keep playing. If you’re facing a similar struggle, know that you’re not alone, and your journey—though different—is just as important. I’m Jake, and I refuse to let Crohn’s stop me.