Meet Matt — Co-Leader for the New England IBD Young Adult Virtual Support Group 

Matt was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 8 years old. His symptoms began with mild episodes of abdominal cramping pain, loose stool, and low-grade fevers. But after a few weeks of things not improving and the fevers spiking, his parents took him to the hospital. The ER doctors thought it was a virus and sent him home. Matt’s symptoms continued and were getting worse. He recalls his pain level was severe (10 out of 10 on the pain scale) when his parents took him back to the ER. Matt was admitted this time. While inpatient, they performed a colonoscopy, took an MRI scan, and did blood work. The hospital GI doctor diagnosed Matt with Crohn’s. 

He was started on an immunosuppressant drug. Once the medication began to work, the Crohn’s was kept in remission for 5 years. Then when Matt hit puberty, he experienced another major Crohn’s flare-up. His GI doctor performed a colonoscopy. The disease was active again, so they switched him to a biologic drug which he remains on today. Now 18 years old, Matt is still in remission. He doesn’t take this for granted! 

Matt definitely experienced some challenges living with IBD as a teen. In his own words, “When I was in class and really had to go the bathroom, it was embarrassing. I never wanted to call attention to my Crohn’s. I was also playing starting line-up positions in school sports. Before games I would get nervous about possible bowel symptoms. Due to probably a combination of anticipatory anxiety and the disease, I typically needed to use the bathroom right before huddling with my teammates. This still happens sometimes.” 

He remembers that being careful about what foods he ate was a big challenge for him. For instance, he loved steak and junk food like many kids. But these and some other foods aggravated his bowel symptoms so he had to cut them out. Matt has always enjoyed hanging out with his friends but admits it was hard to watch them eat foods he suddenly couldn’t. Over time he’s adjusted to his “new normal” because feeling good beats suffering. 

Matt has volunteered in several New England Chapter fundraising events. During COVID, he took more time to review patient resources on the Foundation website. Locally, the support groups caught his eye. He decided to check out a few and found them helpful to better cope with his Crohn’s and connect him with others who shared similar experiences. Matt says, “Being part of a support group is like a ray of light because you’re around patients who understand you and your problems and are there for you. It’s awesome to be with others who just get it.”

We’re excited that Matt will be co-leading our NEW virtual monthly support group for young adults in New England. The other co-leader is Kaashi Balagurunath. Both men are looking forward to working together. The group is anticipated to begin in late January 2023. Meetings will be held on Sundays at 2 pm. The age range for participants is 17 to 25 years old. If you’re slightly younger or older, there is flexibility to join. Although specifically for young adult patients, if a parent wants to sit in on a few meetings to make sure it’s a good fit for their child, that’s fine. 

Some goals for the group are to help young adult patients connect, create bonds, and develop friendships with one another. Matt says, “We’re going to create a mini-community of young adult patients inside the larger adult patient community.” As a group leader, he wants to ensure group members know about and have access to all national and chapter resources. There will be periodic guest speakers. Matt also wants to schedule some in-person meet ups so participants can gather for lunch and chat as a group of friends. What makes Matt most eager about starting this group is 100% meeting everyone. He loves talking with people and learning about them. This caring and inspiring young man has a natural ability to help young adults cope with their IBD struggles. 

Apart from school and volunteering, Matt loves sports! He’s been playing football for 9 years. Currently on his school varsity team, he’s a starting offensive running back and defensive linebacker. He’s also been playing basketball for 11 years. He’s varsity co-captain and plays point guard. Matt participates in DECA — a global organization that prepares emerging high school and college student leaders for careers in business. He has competed in regionals and state. This Crohn’s warrior also enjoys watching movies. Fantasy and science fiction are his favorite film genres. 

For more details or to join the New England IBD Young Adult Virtual Support Group, email: [email protected].

Note: The group’s start period, meeting day, and time listed in this article may be subject to slight change. Stay tuned for more promotions.