HONORED HEROES
Our Honored Heroes demonstrate true strength and courage when they open up about their lives and share their IBD journeys. The following stories will inspire and empower you — and remind our patients that they are never truly alone.
Kelli Lash
Kelli was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2018. Despite the devastating Crohn's diagnosis during a family trip, she never let these medical challenges define her. She is a passionate runner, completing numerous marathons, triathlons, and two full Ironman events. Running has been a sanctuary for her, and with Team Challenge, she found a community of supportive, like-minded athletes. Although she still deals with ongoing Lymphocytic and microscopic Colitis flares, she remains hopeful for better treatments and strives to inspire others with similar conditions to lead fulfilling lives.
Dewey Thom
Dewey was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis as a teenager after enduring months of stomach pain and invasive tests; a condition then thought to primarily affect middle-aged individuals. Despite the diagnosis, Dewey pursued his passions, excelling in basketball, soccer, and academics, studying abroad, and building a successful career as an institutional stockbroker. He later completed 23 Team Challenge races, including the New York City Marathon. After undergoing J-pouch surgery in 1986 and having his diagnosis changed to Crohn’s disease in 2005, Dewey remained resilient. Now retired and traveling the world, he co-facilitates a support group, emphasizing the importance of acceptance in managing chronic illness.
Stacey Geldin
Ten years ago, Stacey took her daughter Eliana for her first endoscopy and colonoscopy, which led to the devastating diagnosis of severe Crohn’s disease. Her pediatric GI physician said that had they not pushed for the scopes, she could have required emergency surgery or worse. After her diagnosis, they turned to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation for support, and another mother from the local chapter reassured her that although the road would be tough, there was a strong support network. The first eight months after Eliana’s diagnosis were incredibly difficult, but a second opinion and a new doctor in 2015 provided hope. Over the past decade, Eliana has endured numerous treatments, hospital stays, and surgery, with ongoing support from friends and family. In gratitude, Stacey joined Team Challenge, running six endurance events and raising over $36,000 for the Foundation. This year, in honor of Eliana’s ten years of living with Crohn’s, Stacey will run the London Marathon with Team Challenge.
