Honorees
Meet Your Honorees for ING MIAMI 2009!
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. Our Team is running and walking in honor of these individuals.
Adam Bellincampi
Adam and His Son
My name is Adam Bellincampi, I am 36 years old and live in Monmouth County, NJ with my wife, son and two yellow Labrador Retrievers. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 1996 and have struggled on and off with the disease ever since.
I had never heard of Ulcerative Colitis or Crohns disease when I started experiencing severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss. I was an athletic, otherwise healthy 24 year old that had rarely been sick in my whole life. The first few years were rough as I did not respond to traditional medications and as I struggled to adjust to the adverse effects the disease can have on quality of life. Although I never went into remission, my symptoms began to lessen over time and I was able to get back to doing everything I used to enjoy before I got sick.
In 2007 my son was born and my outlook on life changed. I felt very lucky despite my disease and I felt like I needed to reach out and help others. In September of 2007 I decided to train for a marathon and raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America(CCFA was not offering a local program yet). The training and fundraising were going great when a routine colonoscopy showed multiple dysplastic (pre-cancerous) masses in my colon. The pathology also showed signs of Crohns disease as well as Ulcerative Colitis and my disease was re-classified as Indeterminate Colitis. After many consultations with specialists, it was determined that surgery was the only option. I consulted with my doctors and surgeons and they reluctantly agreed to postpone surgery until after my marathon. On Jan 13 of this year I finished the Phoenix Rock and Roll Marathon and raised over $10,500 for the charity, it was an amazing experience.
On March 31st of this year I underwent a subtotal colectomy with ileo-sigmoid anastomosis. The doctors removed 90% of my colon and I was hospitalized for 10 days. The recovery was more difficult than I could have imagined but in May I began to feel a little better and decided to start running again. The first few runs were tough but when I was running I was almost able to forget about my disease. Later, while doing some research on the CCFA site I noticed that the New England Chapter was participating in a 7 mile road race in New England. I signed up and began fundraising and training. On August 10th I ran the Falmouth Road Race with my wife and two sisters, I raised close to $7500 for The Crohns and Colitis Foundation and met many brave and inspirational people who fight these diseases daily.
While I will never be rid of my disease, I feel fortunate to be able to do all the things I love to do. Many patients with UC and Crohns are not so fortunate which is why it is so important to raise money to help find cures for these awful diseases. I want to thank you for giving your time and dedication to this cause. You are doing a great thing and I hope you will find this experience as gratifying and memorable as I have.
Jenny Robbins
My name is Jenny Robbins. I live in Franklin Lakes, NJ and I am currently a high school Senior. I enjoy playing tennis,listening to music and hanging out with my friends.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease when I was 9 years old. To me living with Crohn's is a lot like riding a roller coaster. You may be traveling along a straight and steady pace and then suddenly find yourself spiraling downward without ever having seen the crest of the hill. I find this unpredictability to be the most challenging aspect of my illness.
Throughout my high school years I have missed a great deal of school due to my symptoms. The daily pressures that a typical high school stundent faces often become more challenging for me. Weeks of missed school result in having to make up work, learn new material at an accelerated pace, and deal with the strss associated with accomplishing both tasks. On the postive side, I have learned that no challenge is too great for me to overcome.
In the last few years I have become active in various CCFA events. I strongly believe taht with my hard work and the efforts of many others, there will be a cure for Crohn's within my lifetime.
Brandon Gillman
My name is Brandon Gillman. I am currently 16 years old and am in the 11th grade at Newark Academy, in Livingston, NJ. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, at age 10, and have been dealing with it ever since. Although Crohn’s affects my everyday life, I am still able to do many of my favorite things, like playing soccer and tennis. I also enjoy skiing, spending time with my friends and traveling with my family. Presently, with the help of medication, my Crohn’s is under control, but not gone. Together with my family, we are determined to help the CCFA find a cure.
Updated 9/30/08