Meet Caroline — Co-Leader for the Boston IBD Virtual Young Adult Support Group 

Caroline began experiencing symptoms last year during her sophomore year of college. She was officially diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 21 years old in June 2022. Her Gastroenterologist started her on a biologic drug that put her Crohn’s into remission in August 2022. Caroline was doing well for almost 4 months when she experienced another flare-up. Recently, her GI doctor added in steroids to her current medication regimen. It’s still too early to know if Caroline’s flare-up will improve from taking the steroids, but she is very hopeful. 

Caroline says, “Since this is a new diagnosis, I am still learning to navigate the ins and outs of the disease. I feel like I’ve become stronger going through the process and am so grateful for the connections I’ve made within the IBD community.”  

Now in her junior year at Georgetown University, Caroline admits it’s hard to live with this chronic disease aggravated by the different aspects of school stress. Her examples include feeling alone dealing with her Crohn’s symptoms, not personally knowing other students who have IBD, managing the pressure of her class schedule and workload, being a teaching assistant, and dancing in the student-run dance company. It’s also challenging sometimes finding food options she can tolerate. And, lastly, an annoyance for her is not being able to drink alcohol socially which is a big part of college social life.

What helps her cope with 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. Caroline definitely does listen to her body, though, so as not to overexert herself. 

Spending time with her friends is also a great coping mechanism. They know her situation and she feels comfortable confiding in them. Caroline appreciates how understanding and supportive they are especially when it comes to her Crohn’s. Having this support system helps mitigate the stress of dealing with both the disease and college. And when they go to certain restaurants where the menu is limited, she brings her own food to make sure she can eat. 

Caroline wants other young adults to know that while Crohn’s has presented new challenges, she’s seen so much growth and resiliency in herself. Staying optimistic has also helped her state of mind. In her own words, “I find it helpful to keep my routine as steady as possible although sometimes it’s hard to juggle everything. But, overall, I try to focus on doing productive and fun things.”

This caring young woman decided to become a Support Group Leader for several reasons. Caroline has always had a passion for the medical field and enjoys helping others cope with hardships and illnesses. She has a double major in Biology and French positioning herself for the pre-med track. After her Crohn’s diagnosis, she knew that volunteering in this Foundation role would be a great way to merge her interests.

Caroline believes what makes this support group so valuable is that it is a safe space where you can join a community of patients who not only have the same disease but also are in the same age ranges and life stages. It’s a unique collective experience for teens and young adults to feel less alone, more understood, and make new friends.

She is excited to work alongside Matt, her fellow group co-leader! Caroline believes the two of them facilitating together will serve to make this group highly effective. Participants will get the benefit of Matt’s experience being an IBD patient from grade school through high school and Caroline’s journey in college.  

In addition to all the amazing things Caroline is accomplishing, she recently had a research article published in a medical journal! This came about through her work as a Research Assistant Intern for the prostate cancer lab at the Harvard School of Public Health. 

Her other interests include doing yoga and exploring new restaurants. She also loves playing with her family’s Greyhound dog named Max who is 5 years old.

In wrapping up our interview, Caroline says, “One huge positive from having IBD is all the wonderful people I’ve had the opportunity to meet through the Foundation and participating in support groups.” 
For more information about the Boston IBD Virtual Young Adult Support Group or to receive the Zoom meeting link, email Matt at [email protected].