2025 Take Steps Pediatric Honored Hero: Neal Mohimen
Published: March 7, 2025
"You will become stronger over time and realize that you will be ok." Says Neal Mohimen, a 14-year-old from Wayland, MA.
Since his diagnosis of Crohn’s disease in 2020, Neal has faced numerous medical challenges with resilience and gratitude. Despite the obstacles, Neal is determined to use his journey to inspire and support others. As an Honored Hero, he shares his story to raise awareness for IBD and highlight the vital work of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
The Foundation has been an invaluable resource for Neal throughout his journey. Events like Camp Oasis—a weeklong residential camp for children ages 7-17 living with IBD—offered him the chance to connect with others who truly understand his experiences. There, Neal forged lifelong friendships with peers who shared similar challenges. These connections, made possible by the Foundation, have become a source of strength and belonging for him.
There is a profound strength that lies within those who face the challenges of living with these diseases. Neal has discovered this strength within himself and channels it through his advocacy for the foundation and his heartfelt dedication to supporting others who share his story.
“I hope Take Steps will help raise more awareness for IBD and that one day we will be able to find a cure.” Neal shares. He is committed to supporting the Foundation’s mission of advancing research, expanding access to resources, and fostering a community for those affected by IBD.
"I hope to one day become a doctor so that I can help other kids who may be going through the same experiences that I have had. My hope with that foundation is to raise awareness; it will continue to grow and support other kids and much-needed research to one day find a cure."
Through his courage and compassion, Neal is making a meaningful impact on the IBD community, proving that even in the face of adversity, hope and strength can flourish.
Help support Neal and others living with IBD. Register for Take Steps and walk alongside honored heroes like Neal toward a cure at https://takesteps.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/event/NewEngland2025.
Camp Oasis offers a safe environment for kids with IBD to “just be kids” and be surrounded by peers and staff who share their experience with living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Camp Oasis is FUN without the fear of judgment or feeling different. This year, Camp Oasis of Connecticut will take place August 18th-23rd, 2025. Join this amazing opportunity to be a Camp Oasis camper, counselor, or volunteer at https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/get-involved/camp-oasis/find-a-camp.