Honorees

What is an Honoree?

An Honoree is someone who provides inspiration to our athletes throughout the training and fundraising period. Honorees serve as symbols of strength and motivation, support and determination. An Honoree is someone who is currently is being treated for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Each of our TEAM CHALLENGE participants is matched up with an Honoree. Honorees have the unique opportunity to connect with individuals who have committed themselves to raising funds for the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They will share their strength and courage with participants who are training to complete their endurance event.

When participants join TEAM CHALLENGE, they commit to many months of training and fundraising before completing a half marathon. They are not only motivated by their own personal fitness goals, but are truly inspired by the bravery and fortitude of each Honoree.

MEET OUR HONOREE!

On any given day you will find Kyle with his nose buried in a book, beating his high score on a video game, or chatting about Star Wars with anyone who shares his love of the series. Twelve year old Kyle’s fun-loving, positive attitude is immediately obvious to anyone who crosses his path.

Upon first meeting Kyle, you would never realize that life has thrown some incredibly challenging things his way. From the time he was a toddler, his parents noticed that something wasn’t quite right with his digestive system. For years, Kyle was in and out of doctor’s offices. He endured medical procedures that a child should never face,only to be told over and over again that nothing was wrong.

When he was just six years old, Kyle started losing blood. Finally, results from a colonoscopy gave his parents a name for all the symptoms he had faced for so long: ulcerative colitis. Kyle began a journey of steroids, medication, and dietary restrictions. At eight years old, he faced three blood transfusions in the same year. Kyle now receives an intravenous medication every eight weeks to help give him color in his cheeks, energy, and a chance at a more normal life.Through it all, Kyle never complains. He faces ulcerative colitis with a brave face, positive attitude, and a true desire to give back and help others.

Kyle has been a part of the Team Challenge Illinois family since 2008, attending trainings, drawing pictures for teammates, and of course, teaching everyone about Star Wars. He was even recognized as the 2012 Inspirational Youth from CCFA’s Illinois Chapter, because of his commitment to the Team Challenge program.

He may not wear a cape, but Kyle is a true hero in every sense and he continues to inspire all who love him each day with his bright smile, amazing strength, and resilience.