Thank you to our 2022 New England Take Steps Honored Heroes!

Audrey Brickhouse

Greater Boston

Take Steps

Pediatric

Honored Hero

Before I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when I was 11, I was so tired that I had to take naps after school.  I also had random fevers, and lots of stomach aches. On top of all that I had lots of doctors appointments, was always getting my blood drawn, and I had so many questions. None of it was fun, especially the symptoms. 

After I got diagnosed in 2020, I was still having a lot of stomach aches that would prevent me from doing some of the things that I enjoyed, like gymnastics. But as soon as I was put on IV infusions I started feeling a lot better! And now most days I forget that I even have Crohn’s. 

The hardest days for me are still the ones leading up to my infusions. It is very scary but what motivates me is knowing how much the medicine helps. But more than that Bob, the service dog at Tufts Hospital motivates me through it, and makes me feel comforted at my infusions. 

I am grateful for the resources that are available on the Crohn’s and Colitis website. It has helped me feel better about what is going on in my stomach, and has offered a lot of comfort with all the information especially when I was just diagnosed. I am also grateful for my medical team because without them I would not be feeling as good as I do. And they also offer so much support at my infusions that really help me be able to do it.  

Having Crohn’s can be scary and painful, but through it all I’ve learned how tough I am and that I can overcome scary things. I know that if we keep taking steps, we’ll find a cure!

Gail Gregg, NP

Greater Boston

Take Steps

Healthcare

Honored Hero

I am overwhelmed with gratitude that I have been selected as a Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Honored Health Care Hero for 2022.  I've been a Registered Nurse for 27 years, and a Nurse Practitioner for the last 10 years. I've had the privilege of caring for patients living with IBD for most of my advanced practice career and I can honestly say that this is professionally some of the most challenging and rewarding work that I've ever done.

In my opinion, all IBD patients are the real hero's. I am continually amazed by the courage and perseverance of our patients as they navigate the challenges posed by living with a chronic illness and I am deeply respectful of the trust they place in both me and the rest of their health care team. 

Today's honor is not mine alone.  I work at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center.  I am fortunate to work alongside some of the most expert, compassionate and empathetic caregivers, in GI Medicine and Colorectal Surgery. I would entrust my own care to any of these talented professionals, they are frankly the genius that drives us forward.

This honor renews my ongoing commitment to advocate and advance the care of our IBD patients. Thank you once again, for the recognition.

James Mitcheson

Greater Boston

Take Steps

Young Adult 

Honored Hero

My journey with Crohn’s began 3 years ago - I was 12, and was 4’8” and weighed 78 pounds. I had joined the winter track team, but I was having trouble keeping up in practices. I felt sore, weak, and nauseous, after running. In fact, almost every time my family went away on a trip or even just out to dinner, I would have to leave because I felt too sick.

After several doctor’s visits, lots of blood work and tests, and my first colonoscopy and endoscopy I was diagnosed after the holidays. It’s hard news to hear that you have an incurable disease, but we determined a treatment plan and I began receiving infusions.

My first appointment was memorable, to say the least. I remember looking around the room and seeing an AED, which I thought was so strange and unnecessary. Shortly after I received my IV I passed out, and the AED made a little more sense!

After a few rounds I started to feel a better, but I continued to have joint pain and had to add weekly shots to my treatment plan. My mom needed to put on a mask, gloves and robe to not get any of this medicine on her skin, but it was getting injected into me. Needless to say, I was glad to come off of that treatment after about a year.

We’d just gotten into a routine with my treatments when the pandemic hit, to keep things interesting, and then we learned that our insurance wasn’t going to cover my infusions any more and I had to switch medications. Fortunately, that has been going well, and earlier this year I received the news that I’m in full remission!

Since I was diagnosed, I’ve grown 9” and over 55lbs, and feel stronger than ever. I know it may not always feel as good as I am right now, but I’m grateful for this moment. I appreciate my doctors and nurses at Tufts for their fantastic care, and Bob the Dog who makes regular visits at the hospital and always makes me smile. I’m thankful for my parents, sisters, family and friends who have been so supportive throughout all of this. Finally, I’m grateful there is a community here that is supporting the research for improved treatment and ultimately a cure. Thank you all!

Nikki Torday

Greater Boston

Take Steps

Adult

Honored Hero

I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease 18 years ago, and I am one of the lucky ones diagnosed pretty quickly – though unfortunately, at that point, my Crohn's was pretty severe.

I have been hospitalized more times than I would like to count. A few years into my diagnosis, I was so bad off I was rushed to the emergency room. My parents lived in California, and my brother lived in upstate NY. Because my mom could not get to me fast enough, she called my brother, who was about to go to a movie with his girlfriend, now wife. He dropped everything and rushed to be by my side. Every time I tell that story, I well up.

I am so blessed that I am now 6 years in remission. I never thought I would ever be able to say that. But, today, I can say I am in remission because of the medications I am on and the friendship I have made through the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and the fantastic doctors at the Mass General. 

Over the past 10 years, I have run 6 1/2 marathons with Team Challenge, helped plan the take steps walk, and am a member of the Young Professionals committee. When people ask why I volunteer, I say because if I don't, who will and who else will help find a cure for me and the countless others suffering from these diseases. 

I push through the hard days because I don't ever want to miss out on a milestone event. I also push through because I am greater than my disease.

I want to thank my amazing family, who is all here today. I would not be standing in front of you without them. I want to thank my parents for always supporting me and my brother and sister-in-law for holding my hand in the challenging and good times. I am so blessed to have watched my nieces grow up to be beautiful girls. I also want to thank all my friends and Crohn's and colitis family for all the fantastic support throughout my journey. 

If I can leave you all with one thing, we will find a cure within our lifetimes, and you are not alone. You have a village watching out for you. Thank you for coming out and supporting this amazing walk and organization. 

Hayden Allen

Maine Take Steps

Teen Honored Hero

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s when I was 9, I’m 15 now. It first started with bad stomach aches which turned out to be constipation caused by my Crohn’s disease and that affected my social life. I missed many school days, and I was limited on when I could go outside. In a panic, I went to many doctors and hospital visits. After a year of this, we found out I had Crohn’s disease. The constant belly aches didn’t stop though, it took multiple attempts at various medications to get them to stop. But after many years I’m now living a normal life. I’m now able to leave the house whenever, never fearing when the next belly ache will come.

In 2019, I participated in my first Maine Take Steps walk which was such an eye-opening experience for me to see other kids my age that have IBD. I would like to thank my G.I. doctor Dr. Russell and all of our family for being there for me during the rough times.

Rachelle Pellerin

Maine Take Steps

Adult Honored Hero

I am honored to be this year's Adult Honored Hero and the leader of my team The Porcelain Poopers.  This will be my 5th Maine Take Steps walk.  I’m passionate about participating in the Maine Take Steps to raise awareness about Crohn’s Disease and Colitis, and fundraise for research and finding better treatments, so patients can be diagnosed sooner than the 6 years it took for me.

I've lived with GI symptoms since childhood, but wasn’t diagnosed until age 21 by Dr. Abourjaily who literally saved my life.  Because I was extremely sick as a teenager and my Crohn’s Disease was misdiagnosed for many years, it became an aggressive form of Crohn’s Disease, and I endured many surgeries and countless procedures and s treatments.  I have other health issues that stem from the Crohn’s Disease as well, and was told that I would never reach remission.

These diseases are both debilitating and stressful, for both the patient and their family. I count my blessings on a daily basis, and I'm thankful for my family and friends and for all of their continuous support.  I'm also thankful for all of the wonderful doctors and nurses that take care of me or have taken care of me in the past, especially Dr. Abourjaily and Dr. Winchenbach, because if not for them, I would not be here.   I’m also very thankful for my current doctors, Dr. McCrann whom I entrust my life with, Dr. Rogers, Dr. Russell, and Dr. Siegel.

The Maine Take Steps brings the community together in a fun, energetic and supportive atmosphere with patients, their families and friends.  So let’s take steps to help raise awareness so patients can be diagnosed sooner because early diagnoses and earlier treatment might help patients in achieving remission.