Larry's Story

Larry was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when he was 16-years-old. However, for several years before he received an official diagnosis, he suffered from symptoms of the disease – painful cramping, weight loss, fatigue, and stunted growth - with fatigue being the most debilitating. The extreme tiredness, a common symptom experienced by patients living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, impacted his life majorly. 

“I didn’t deal with [the fatigue] well. I laid around the house all day, I had no energy [to do anything],” he said. “I slept in class and I wasn’t that kind of kid… I didn’t have the energy to practice or play [any sports].” 

After several years exhibiting symptoms, his parents realized that something was seriously wrong and took him to see the doctor. After performing a few diagnostic tests, Larry was diagnosed with Crohn’s.  

Based on his doctor's recommendation, Larry began treatment with a biologic and methotrexate, both of which he is still on today. He said the difference in how he was feeling was night and day after beginning the medications. 

“Once we got [my disease] under control, I blossomed and started on the path that I’m on now [as a pro-athlete],” he said. 

Larry grew nine inches from the time of diagnosis to today, and has gained nearly 100 pounds. But most importantly, his fatigue became almost non-existent. 

“I’ll experience it very randomly but as long as I stay on track with my medications, it’s managed,” he said. And when the fatigue does reappear, he tries to log as many naps as possible.

“Any time I can pick up a little sleep, I try,” he said. “If I don’t get it, my symptoms start to show up again.” 

Now, instead of being consumed by fatigue, Larry is focused on his NBA career as a power forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2017, Larry, along with pediatric patient Noah Weber, founded Athletes vs. Crohn’s & Colitis (AvC), a non-profit that seeks to raise awareness of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis among children and teens, and help children realize their athletic potential despite being diagnosed with a chronic illness. Through AvC, Larry hosts meet and greets with pediatric patients across the country and helps raise funds to support IBD research nationwide.

His advice to others experiencing debilitating fatigue and other crippling IBD symptoms? 

“Find what works for you and stick by it,” Larry said. “[IBD] is very personal. You need to make your illness work around you. You still control yourself, don’t let Crohn’s define you.”

Photo Credit: Getty Images