Honorees

Brandon Gillman, HONOREE

My name is Brandon Gillman. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when I was ten years old. At the beginning of fifth grade, I started showing some symptoms and after a colonoscopy, was quickly diagnosed with Crohn’s. Over the course of the next seven years, I remained relatively healthy while I went through just about every medication out there. I had regimens of up to 30 pills per day, learned how to give myself injections, and before long, IVs and blood tests just became the norm. At the beginning of my senior year of high school, my disease started to become more serious. In March of my senior year, I had 14 inches of my small intestine removed and spent over two months in the hospital dealing with infections and nutritional issues. I was forced to take a year off between high school and college while dealing with my Crohn’s Disease, but thankfully now I am feeling good and thriving at college.

I am a sophomore at Washington University in St. Louis, majoring in Systems Engineering and minoring in Finance. I am part of a peer leadership at school where I help mentor incoming freshmen and help ease their transition into college. I also play intramural soccer and am in a fraternity.

I grew up and went to high school in New Jersey, but now live in Florida. I have been really involved with those chapters of CCFA and am excited to be joining the Mid-America chapter. I participated in the Team Challenge program in 2009 when I ran the ING Miami Half Marathon, so I know what it takes to do this and I’ll be here to cheer you guys on and help you out along the way. Thanks for helping us work toward a cure! 

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 currently is being treated for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Each TEAM CHALLENGE participant 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 the Honoree.