Community Impact Award Recipient 2026: Elizabeth Orgel
Published: October 15, 2026
Elizabeth Orgel has been deeply committed to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation since 2009 when her youngest son Aaron was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at just six years old. Four years later, his older brother Andrew received the same diagnosis at sixteen. Two childhoods reshaped by a disease most people can't see. Over 16 years later, she is still fighting. Not just for her sons, but for the millions of Americans who live with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis every single day.
“Aaron and Andrew are not alone. Today, more than 1 in 100 Americans live with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. And the number of new diagnoses is rising. The urgency is real, but so is the progress, and your support is what makes it possible,” says Elizabeth.
Elizabeth served as President of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation's New England Chapter Board from 2015–2026 and is now on the National Board of Trustees. She serves on the GALA Event Committee and continues to be an instrumental part of the event’s success over the years.