Meet our 2026 New England Take Steps Pediatric Honored Hero!

Diagnosed with severe ulcerative colitis at a young age, Ava Aponte has spent much of her childhood navigating challenges far beyond her years. At a time when many are simply trying to find where they belong, Ava faced not only the physical toll of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but also the isolation that often comes with it.

Everything began to shift when Ava discovered Camp Oasis, a nationwide residential camp for children and teens living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. For the first time, she found herself surrounded by others who understood her experience.

“Camp Oasis gave me a place where I could meet people just like me,” Ava said. 

Through her connection with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Ava found not only community, but also her voice. What once felt isolating became a source of strength, fueling her passion to advocate for herself and others living with invisible illnesses.

Ava openly acknowledges the emotional and physical challenges of IBD. “It can feel scary, uncomfortable—even unnatural at times,” she said. “But you are not alone, and you are strong.”

Her journey eventually led to surgery, and Ava now lives with an ostomy—something she embraces with confidence and pride. At just seventeen, she is determined to live authentically and encourage others to do the same.

“I have always embraced myself and built myself up,” Ava said. “When I got my ostomy, I stayed confident and showed others it’s more than okay to have one. You don’t have to hide it—that’s part of you. I’ve always wanted to be the change, and I did.”

Looking ahead, Ava’s ambitions reflect both her resilience and compassion. She hopes to become a pediatric ostomy and wound care specialist, using her personal experience to support and empower future patients.

“I want to not only make a difference by being open and confident,” she said, “but also help my patients feel that same confidence from the very beginning.”

Now named this year’s Pediatric Honored Hero, Ava is proud to share her story and continue her advocacy. She hopes to inspire others to lean on their community, speak openly, and never feel alone in their journey.

The Take Steps walk, hosted by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, will take place on Saturday, June 6, at North Point Park. Community members are invited to join Ava and others in the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Sign up here or support Ava's team: Ava Strong.

Registration is also open now for Camp Oasis of Connecticut for the summer of 2026! Join Ava and other local IBD patients at this life-changing experience. Apply here today!