Meet the IBD Help Center!
Published: May 21, 2020
Do you have a burning question about IBD? The Irwin M. and Suzanne R. Rosenthal IBD Resource Center, also known as the IBD Help Center, has answers for you!
Launched in March 2007, the IBD Help Center provides information and resources to patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The IBD Help Center can help you find specific resources, refer you to other organizations, help you understand health insurance options, and much more.
In 2019, our IBD Help Center staff responded to 12,000 inquiries. We wanted to introduce the individuals who work tirelessly to help ensure that patients, caregivers, and providers have access to the information they need. We asked them a few questions to get to know them better:
Ayesha Williams
Senior Manager, Patient Support
Bachelor's degree in sociology, Binghamton University
Master of Public Administration with a specialization in healthcare policy, Baruch College
How long have you worked for the Foundation?
13 years
What made you want to work for the Foundation?
"I became interested in the Foundation due to the mission in supporting the IBD community. At the time I became close with two former colleagues who had Crohn's disease and I witnessed the impact it had on their lives. I wanted to learn more about the disease, as well as take part in the Help Center, which was brand new to the Foundation at that time."
What do you want IBD patients and caregivers to know?
"I want patients and caregivers to know it is okay to need and seek help. The most meaningful aspect of this role is to help an individual with information and resources to help get them to the next necessary step in their care. Sometimes we get patients who are at their last resort, and because they can become so entrenched in their situation, they may not be able to clearly see other options or may not be aware of other resources. It brings our team at the Foundation great joy and fulfillment to be able to provide this support to our IBD community."
Jackie Spencer
Manager, Patient Support
Bachelor's degree in urban health, Rutgers University
Master of Social Work, Rutgers University
How long have you worked for the Foundation?
12 years
What has been your proudest or most memorable moment working for the Foundation?
"One of my most memorable moments was when I was part of a group from the Foundation that rang the opening bell on the floor of the NY Stock Exchange in October 2008."
What do you want patients and caregivers to know?
"Knowing and learning more about IBD and talking with others can help reduce fear and give you more courage."
Kait O'Connor
Manager, Patient Support
Bachelor's degree in psychology, St. Francis College
Master's degree in mental health counseling, Brooklyn College
How long have you worked for the Foundation?
5 years
What made you want to work for the Foundation?
"While getting my master’s degree, I met one of my best friends. She was diagnosed with UC several years before we met and was living with a j-pouch at the time. She introduced me to the Foundation and the wonderful work that was being done to help the IBD community."
What do you want patients and caregivers to know?
"I want patients and caregivers to know that they are not alone. I also want them to know that the Foundation’s staff is truly dedicated in their work and passionate about the Foundation’s mission."
Whether you are newly diagnosed or have had IBD for many years, the IBD Help Center is here to help and support you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for assistance. The IBD Help Center is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST. You can reach them at [email protected], 888MYGUTPAIN (888-694-8872, extension 8), or using live chat on our website on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Rebecca Kaplan is the Public Affairs and Social Media Manager for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and the caregiver of a Crohn's disease patient.