Photo by Sarah and Sean Baker

Dear United Fans:

As a member of the Black-and-Red, I consider myself a very fortunate person. In fact, I believe I am more fortunate than you would think. As a teenager I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. My soccer practices were replaced by doctor appointments. My nights out with friends turned into nights on the couch with stomach cramps and frequent bathroom visits. Through family support, wonderful doctors, and the right combination of medication I’ve been able to live out my dream, something that seemed impossible at the time of diagnosis.

A year ago my father was diagnosed with Crohn’s and has been struggling to maintain a normal life ever since. This disease has caused a lot of anxiety, frustration, and pain for my family. Millions of other families are in the same position- nearly 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from digestive diseases. It was a natural fit for me to begin working with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cure for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

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