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.

Marissa 

Marissa is an energetic and brave 16 year old from the South Hills of Pittsburgh. In her free time, she enjoys playing in her High School band, spending time with friends, and baking cupcakes. In November of 2011, Marissa was taken to the ER at Children’s Hospital with severe abdominal pain and bleeding. She was taken into the care into the care of the GI team who later diagnosed her with Crohn’s disease. She spent 3 months at Children’s, going through many procedures, tests and medicines to try to get her inflamed colon to subside. Unfortunately, the treatments did not work and the decision was made to remove her colon before it could cause other issues. She is currently pain and symptom free and is adapting well to the changes the surgery has brought about. It is Marissa’s hope that everyone will consider joining Team Challenge, which will be the start of an amazing journey. She wants you to remember that each of the approximately 28,000 steps you will take while running a half marathon will help to bring us 1 step closer to finding a cure for Crohn’s and colitis.

patrick

Patrick is a happy ten year old boy in fifth grade. He enjoys foil fencing, playing the cello, reading fiction, and video games.  In school, his favorite subject is math. Patrick was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2009, just a few days after his seventh birthday. He has endured multiple medical tests and drug therapies. While full remission remains elusive, Patrick continues to convey courage, strength, optimism and a wonderful sense of humor in all that he must face. He compares his battle with Crohn's disease to a fencing dual: sometimes you can escape an attack, sometimes you push your offender back, and sometimes your opponent overpowers you. When he is feeling overpowered by this terrible disease, CCFA provides Patrick the hope that someday soon he will conquer this opponent forever. Patrick is thrilled to be an Honorary Teammate for Team Challenge 2013. He looks forward to running, walking, biking and cheering with the entire team and hopes you will join him in raising funds to defeat Crohn's and colitis once and for all.