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:  Larahlyn!

In February of 2009 Larahlyn started to experience some abdominal pain and bouts of diarrhea, both of which became extremely severe in the following weeks.  After repeated trips to her pediatrician, she was referred on to Vanderbilt.  She endured blood tests, a CT, and a colonoscopy, and a month before her 10th birthday received a diagnosis of Crohn's Disease.

We thought with this diagnosis our lives would be changed forever.  Larahlyn has proved us very wrong about this.  Yes, a lot did change but so much just became a part of our daily life, like quarterly trips to visit Dr. Moulton at Vanderbilt, a few daily meds, and now a nightly feeding tube.  Larahlyn is extremely motivated to grow and be healthy.  She proudly takes care of her nasogastric tube (and inserts it in a matter of minutes every night).  Since starting this treatment in May of 2011, Larahlyn's health has improved by leaps and bounds.  She is back on track with her growth and development and says she didn't know that she could have ever felt this good again.

Larahlyn is a very active 12 year old.  She loves showing her TN Walking Horse, Rocky, playing the piano, singing in her church choir and the HC Youth Chorus.  She even felt well enough to make her "acting debut" in a county Christmas play this year.

 Shortly after being diagnosed with Crohn's, we found out about the CCFA and wanted to get involved so Larahlyn joined the CCFA’s Take Steps  walk almost immediately to raise money and help find a cure.  Through bake sales and some passionate letter writing she and her #1 Gutzy Gal team raised almost $5,000.00 Crohn's research in the last couple of years.  Now Larahlyn is excited to inspire and motivate others to raise money in order to find a cure for Crohn’s by becoming our Team Challenge Honoree!

Our goal is to support and help Larahlyn raise awareness about Crohn's Disease and do all we can to help find a cure.  Join us to Take a Challenge and Change a life!!