Our community
When you become part of the Team Challenge family, you’re supported by coaches, mentors, and friends who understand the impact of IBD. We are a community, united to help each other and everyone impacted by Crohn’s & colitis.
Your story has the power to touch the lives of patients and their families living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Share your story and it may inspire a patient to take that next step in their life or empower a patient to make that next difficult decision.
Featured Participants & Coaches
Brannen P.
Brannen was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in January 2022. Just two months after being diagnosed, he underwent surgery to have about 95% of his colon removed. His doctors agreed it was quite literally a life-saving procedure. He now lives with an ileostomy and wears an ostomy bag, but it hasn’t slowed him down. Brannen began training just two months after his surgery and ran his first half marathon with Team Challenge in January 2023.
“I couldn’t be happier. I am home with my wife and boys, I am healthy, I can eat mostly unrestricted, and I can exercise. Now I can show my boys that setbacks in life don’t define who you are and what you are capable of doing!”
~ Brannen P.
Ken S.
Ken participates as a Team Challenge coach in honor of his nephew, who is living with Crohn’s disease. A long-time Team Challenge volunteer, Ken continues to be inspired by the incredible people he meets through Team Challenge who have battled IBD.
“What started as a volunteer opportunity at work to run the Napa Wine Country 1/2 marathon in 2016 has introduced me to some of the most fantastic people united with one goal: a cure!"
~ Ken S.
Burke Barr
Burke has participated as a Team Challenge Race in Orange and Cycle participant since 2019 after being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 1990. Each year her support has only grown, which has fueled her desire to keep challenging herself physically. In 2024, she will take on her first century ride; 100 miles!
“Team Challenge is an amazing and supportive community of patients and caregivers. Over the years, I have been blessed to have family and friends join me on walks and bike adventures. In 2022, when I first participated in a Team Challenge cycle event, I met and became friends with Rhonda Tyler. We initially bonded over our Connecticut connection, but it grew into a lasting friendship. We ride together for fun and challenge each other to ride further and faster. I could not do 100 miles without her pushing and challenging me to keep going."
~ Burke B.
Alumni: The Blue Crew
Team Challenge alumni — participants and coaches who come back year after year — are known as the Blue Crew!
The Blue Crew is the heart & soul of our Team Challenge family! It is because of you that we have come so far in the fight against IBD over the last 15 years. But, the race isn't over yet. We need your help to reach that ultimate finish line: cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis!
As a special thank you for all our alumni have done, and continue to do, we have created some must-have Team Challenge Blue Crew gear that can be earned for each event completed!
5+ Events:
Team Challenge Blue Crew dri-fit running hat by Boco Gear
10+ Events:
Team Challenge Blue Crew track jacket
*Men's and Women's sizes available
15+ Events:
Invitation to the Champions Club reception for life (+guest) to any TC event you fundraise for
20+ Events:
Hall of Fame listing on Event Details Page
Blue Crew Hall of Fame
Teammate who have done over 15+ events with Team Challenge
| Tavish Margers | 42 |
| Lori Dunbar | 38 |
| Tim Goedeker | 35 |
| Leigh Stein | 32 |
| Brett Diamond | 30 |
| Patricia Cacioppo | 29 |
| Jim Mossman | 26 |
| Robin Brody | 26 |
| Sheri Gelvar | 23 |
| Chris Adams | 23 |
| Steve Couch | 22 |
Connect with us!
Join us on social media to connect with our community of dedicated participants and coaches.
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