Rachel Gerstenfeld (Maryland)

Rachel G

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School: University of Maryland

Major: Behavioral and community health

Hometown: Scotch Plains, NJ

My name is Rachel and I am honored to be a member of the NCCL. I am a junior at the University of Maryland, College Park studying behavioral and community health. On campus, I am an ambassador for my university’s Honors College and am involved in my sorority, Sigma Delta Tau. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 7 in April 2005 after experiencing many severe symptoms of IBD. I spent the next few years constantly in and out of the hospital, missing the majority of 2nd and 3rd grade as well as many months of middle school. During this time, I tried a myriad of treatments such as steroids, Remicade, Humira, 6MP, Methotrexate, and more, none of which were able to put me into remission. I lost as substantial amount of weight, failed to continue growing, and had difficulty eating, so I received tube feedings through a nasogastric tube for a year and a half and then through a G-tube for more than 3 years. The summer before 7th grade I had my colon removed and finally found some relief after years of struggling with Crohn’s. Since then, I have had 3 other surgeries and am currently on Stelara. While every day brings new challenges and triumphs, I am determined to reach my goals, maintain a positive attitude, and enjoy life as a college student with Crohn’s disease. In 2015, I finally attended the Foundation’s Camp Oasis as an LIT. It was a truly amazing experience that introduced me to many outstanding individuals with IBD. Because of Camp Oasis, I finally learned that I was not alone in my fight against IBD. Attending camp motivated me to start advocating for myself and educating others on Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. As a member of the NCCL, I am now always very excited to reach others with IBD, raise awareness, and work with the passionate members and affiliates of the Foundation.