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Honourary Chair

My name is Shelby Friesen and I am 16 years old. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when I was 11. I have tried many medications over the course of five years and have finally settled on Remicade infusion and oral imuran. It has worked unbelievably well for me and I owe everything to the people who support CCFC research and all those with Crohn’s/colitis. In the future I want to attend university and major in health and human sciences. I do worry that one day my treatment will stop working, so I have to hope that a cure will be found.

Honourary Chair

My name is Amrita Patel and I was diagnosed with Crohn's when I was 12 years old. I am currently in remission and maintain it through ongoing medication. I love to travel with my family and enjoy the outdoors - the sunshine helps me stay healthy! I created a team for the Gutsy Walk last year as a way to show my support for those living with IBD and to help raise funds and awareness. This year, as co-chair and honourary chair, I am determined to get even more people out to support the cause. I am extremely lucky to have a supportive family and friends who have helped me through it all. Walk with us to find a cure for Crohn's & colitis!

Honourary Chair

My name is Alliya, I’m 16 years old and I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease 4 years ago. At the time I was diagnosed, my condition was manageable and put into remission with medication. Two years after my diagnosis, I stopped responding to medication and had surgery that removed my entire large intestine and I now have a permanent ileostomy. Since my first surgery, my team and I have participated in 2 Gutsy Walks, helping to raise both awareness and funds for research, and in support of those living with Crohn’s & colitis. The Gutsy Walk is very important to spread awareness about a disease which many people are not comfortable talking about. I hope to inspire people living with Crohn’s or colitis to embrace the disease and continue to follow their dreams knowing that while life may require some modifications, it’s not the end, just a new chapter.

Honourary Chair

Hi my name is Aidan Gerber. I am the captain of the Angry Turds Team. I have been living with Crohn's disease for 3 ½ years. I took Prednisone and Imuran for a year until it stopped working. I now travel to Children’s Hospital every 8 weeks for my Remicade. I finally feel like a regular kid. I am now part of a swim club and have a lot more energy these days. Please join me, my family and friends at the Gutsy Walk this year, where we’ll raise more money and awareness than ever before! Let’s do it “Gutsy Style!”

Honourary Chair

My name is Sam and I am 11 years old. In February 2012 I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and this last little while has been hard. I have had to get used to taking medication every day and I had to learn how to insert a NG tube by myself so that I could have a treatment called enteral nutrition. This and clear fluids was all I was allowed to eat for 6 weeks. I have missed lots of school and an entire baseball season! I am feeling a bit better these days. Please join me for the Gutsy Walk and help us find a cure.

Honourary Chair

My name is Madison and I'm 10 years old. I started feeling sick a long time ago. Last year I got really sick and had to have lots of tests and operations. Finally, my doctor could tell me what was wrong. He told me I had Crohn's disease. I'm happy that I know what's wrong now, but I don't like having Crohn's because sometimes it hurts a lot. I have to take a lot of medicine every day and it tastes bad. Worst of all, sometimes I am too tired to play with my friends or even to go to school. This year, I'm participating in the Gutsy Walk with my family and friends to raise money and help find a cure so hopefully other kids won't have to get sick. I hope you will walk too and help us find a cure!