2021 Rising Community Leader in IBD Announcement: Zibby (Elizabeth) Ryan

We are excited to announce the 2021 Rising Community Leader in IBD- Zibby (Elizabeth) Ryan!

Zibby began her involvement with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's New England Chapter in 2005 after hearing glowing reviews about Camp Oasis, the Foundation's summer camp for kids with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis- collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Being recently diagnosed with Crohn's disease herself, Zibby jumped on the opportunity to become a bunk counselor for camp that very year. Typical of her selfless nature, Zibby returned to camp as a counselor every year for the next decade. In the process she inspired youth leaders, made lifelong friends, and discovered so much more about herself and her disease than she could have ever imagined. 

In 2013, Zibby co-founded the New England Chapter's Young Professionals' (YP) Committee, which she went on to chair for 5 years. During this time, Zibby also served as a chapter board member as the YP liason. Under her impeccable guidance, the YP Committee flourished, growing from 5 members to the current size of over 40 strong. As an inspirational pillar of the New England IBD community, she worked tirelessly to grow the YP event. In 2014, the event raised $40,000 and we are beyond proud to say that in 2020 the same event raised an astounding $120,000 for the mission. The YP Committee stands on the pillars Zibby built and her impact on the New England Chapter has deep roots that will feed the future of our mission for generations to come.

Zibby continues her lifelong pursuit of service to her community by working in development for Partners In Health, a global nonprofit whose mission of bringing high quality healthcare to marginalized communities has changed the lives of countless individuals across the globe. She is a wife to her husband Ed, a mother to her two girls, Frances and Eleanor, and a role model to all of us here in New England.

We are elated and honored to recognize Zibby as a rising leader in the New England community and advocate for the millions of Americans living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.