Embracing strength and community, Raven’s journey with Chron’s disease
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness can be overwhelming, but Raven found strength in her care team at Children’s. Navigating treatments with grace, she is now on the path to remission and embracing life with resilience while pursuing her passions.
June 27, 2023
No child wants to receive a long-term diagnosis but for Raven, it was the conclusion to a series of inconclusive tests and doctors' visits. Raven was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2021—a type of inflammatory bowel disease—and, with support from Children's Gastroenterology team, has since undergone iron and blood transfusions and worked to discover which medication helps her best manage her symptoms.
It’s been a challenging journey, but Raven has handled it with grace and courage. She educated herself, leaned on her Children’s care team for expert resources and got connected with a community through the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. She says this community has become a “found family” and helped her to accept—and embrace—her diagnosis.
Today, she’s on the road to remission and happy to get back to being a teenager. For Raven, this means keeping busy with community service, student council and writing—both slam poetry and music.
“I’m so happy with how far I’ve come,” Raven says. “My advice to others would be to take breaks if you need them. You know your body best so keep an eye on how you’re feeling and don’t be afraid to ask for a break.”
