Kayleigh OMahony lives in Lowell, is in grad school at UMass Lowell for her Master’s in Education and she is running the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 17, 2023. In the summer of 2012, she was admitted to Boston Children's Hospital with severe stomach pains, loss of appetite, extreme weight loss and fatigue. Doctors were baffled by her case, but after a month-long stay in Children's, she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease.
What I Wish I Knew
In 2009, when our youngest child was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis at age six, our family didn’t know what lay ahead.
What helps her cope with the Crohn’s and college challenges are devoting energy to things that make her happy when she feels well enough to do them. This motivated IBD warrior is determined to live her best life no matter what.
Molly was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) at 9 years old. Over the next 6 years, her GI doctors tried all available UC medications to help control her flare ups. She was hospitalized quite a bit. After careful consideration, she had j-pouch surgery in 2004.
Honored Heroes are the voice and face, and the heart and soul of the Take Steps walks. Honored Heroes are nominated annually and help raise awareness of IBD through their promotions and fundraising for Take Steps in their local community.
We are so grateful for the 2022 Honored Heroes who are leaders in fundraising and bravely shared their stories on walk day. Read their stories & nominate a 2023 Honored Hero here.
June 14, 2022
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