Fete Committee Chairs Q & A

This year's 50th Anniversary Celebration that took place this past November was a great success chaired by Elizabeth Orgel and Jonathan Epstein. Learn more about the Fete Committee Chairs with this Q& A.
 

Q: What motivated you/drove you to become involved with the Foundation? 

JE: I wanted to help those afflicted with IBD. This disease runs in my family and both my father, Arthur (Man of the Year 2007) and brother-in-law, Mark Rubin( past Fete Chair) have been involved with the Foundation for many years and I felt that I needed to do more than just make regular donations, so I chose to get more actively involved. 

EO:  10 years ago my youngest child was diagnosed with Crohn’s.  We’d heard of the disease but didn’t know what it was. We got involved shortly after and then six years ago, our eldest child was diagnosed with Crohn’s as well.  We’re now doubly involved.   

How long have you been involved with the Foundation? 

JE: 3 years.

EO:  10 years 

Biggest challenge of living with/caring for someone with IBD? 

JE: I would have to say that you just need to be aware of their needs and be there to help when it is needed.

EO:  Flare ups.  Not being in remission.  All the “side effects” such as dermatologic issues, being immune suppressed (because of the meds) and getting sick, never knowing when life stops because of the disease. 

Could you list the many capacities you have been involved?  Board member, committee involvement for all programs, etc. 

JE: Current NE Chapter Board member, 2019 Fete co-chair.

EO:  Current NE Chapter Board member, first got involved with the Take Steps Boston Walk , joined the Fete Committee, Executive Council Member for Take Steps Boston Walk, 2019 Fete Co-Chair, have been a part of most all foundation programs committees over the last 10 years.

Why should someone become involved in Fete or with the Foundation?

JE:  Raising awareness and raising money for research are both critical if we are to find cures. It is easy to become involved, but you also need to be motivated to work with others and in doing so hopefully you motivate others along the way.

EO:  Best people you will EVER meet.  EVER.  Seriously.  They get it…and are kind, smart, compassionate, fun and have a sense of humor.   

Fun fact about yourself ( maybe a hobby, or talent something fun you’d like to share) 

JE:  I am a huge fan of modern art and also love streetwear. I collect sneakers and have over 400 pairs.

EO:  Just out of college, I worked at the 1992 Winter Olympics in France for CBS Sports covering freestyle and speed skiing. 

Anything else you like to share?

JE:  If you are reading this and think you might be interested in getting involved you should make the leap. We are always looking for volunteers who are passionate and have the desire to help others.

EO:  Don’t be shy.  There are so many ways to get involved and we need more people to share their time and talents, so we help find a cure.