The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer-fueled organization dedicated to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Since 1967, the foundation has played major roles in breakthroughs in research for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Both Crohn’s and Colitis are considered IBDs and autoimmune diseases.
Ulcerative Colitis causes inflammation to a person’s large intestines, while Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract. There are many different medications to help manage symptoms so one can live a normal lifestyle. However, others may experience ongoing pain and discomfort despite medication.
The foundation has invested more than 5 million dollars into research for finding the causes, treatment, and hopeful cure for both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. For additional information about the foundation, visit https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/
Kids who are diagnosed with Crohn’s or Colitis can go to a camp during the summer called Camp Oasis, which is run by the foundation. Campers from 2nd grade through 12th grade are welcome at the week-long sleepaway camp where they meet others who are going through similar situations and participate in fun adventures and activities.
There are ten different Camp Oasis locations all over the country, but the closest one to Manchester is in Pennsylvania. Visit the Camp Oasis website for additional information. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/get-involved/camp-oasis
Our Stories:
Editor’s note: Both writers and their parents gave permission to share their stories about living with Crohn’s and Colitis to increase awareness about the diseases and about the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
Living with Crohn’s and Colitis can seem like a challenge. However, as juniors in high school, we have persevered through our issues to live a “normal lifestyle.
Casey Laracy: I was diagnosed with Crohn’s five years ago, in May of 2019. It took me five years, two months, and seven days to go into remission, and during that time, I needed several infusions and injections of medication. While I was really sick, many doctors tried to help me get better. That was a long, tiring, and hard time, but then I met Gianna, who helped me understand what I was going through. Two years ago, Gianna convinced me to go to Camp Oasis after telling me about it for a few years. I was extremely nervous at first because I would be in a different state, but right away, Gianna introduced me to her friends, and I started having fun. There were so many activities, including agua (tubing with a jetski), swimming in the lake, archery, rock climbing and zip lining, and so much more. Each night, there would be an activity, such as creating skits around the campfire, pool parties, trivia nights, camp dance, and a lip sync contest. The camp experience is just so amazing. Everyone, from counselors and staff to other campers, is caring, nice, and friendly. Young people diagnosed with Crohn’s and/or Colitis should consider going to Camp Oasis because everyone there will become like family and the time spent there is amazing. If it weren’t for Camp Oasis I would have never met my cabin mates who I now call my family. Today, I am super healthy and stronger than ever, but my reality is that my symptoms can return at any time. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Crohn’s and Colitis foundation, and I look forward to continuing to promote awareness about their mission.
Gianna Hodapp: I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in October of 2018, almost 6 years ago. At just 10 years old, I missed my entire year of 5th grade, which was the hardest thing to go through. I felt extremely alone. One day in 6th grade, I met Casey, and I finally realized I was not alone. My doctor told me about Camp Oasis in 2019. I signed up but I was really scared to go because I would be away from my mom and in another state for a week, and I was very shy. However, once I got there, I never wanted to leave. I met my family for life at Camp Oasis and forever cherish every friendship and memory I made there. My last year at camp as a camper will be this upcoming August, and I want to make every possible memory I can. Kids who have Crohn’s and/or Colitis who feel alone should come to Camp Oasis to experience everything it has to offer. It’s there where I feel most at home being surrounded by people who have had all of the same experiences as me, and there is nothing I would trade to be able to spend every second there. I encourage every family or kids with IBD to reach out to their GI doctors to find out more about Camp Oasis and The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
As we continue to live our lives with these daily challenges we not only persevere, but we make it our goal to spread awareness. On April 27, 2025, Casey and I will be attending a walk hosted by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. We will have a table and tent set up for not only us but the girls we share a cabin with at Camp Oasis. We will be raising awareness about Camp while working for the foundation. We hope to continue to be able to raise awareness about the Foundation and Camp for kids who were just like us.
