Team IBDkids 2023
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) consists of two illnesses, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The disease involves inflammation of the intestine and results in many unwanted symptoms. It is treatable but often needs a lot of attention. It affects 3 million Americans, mostly young adults and 25% are diagnosed as children or teenagers. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is a world leader in the IBD field, both in treatment and cutting edge research.
Our team is usually a blend of inspirational runners who either have the illness themselves or are family members in addition to other runners who are health care professionals who care for these diseases. It is a true joy seeing so many of our former and now grown patients complete the race. It is a huge inspiration to see how these young people have overcome the illness.
Through everyone’s efforts, we raise a tremendous amount of funds for research in pediatric IBD and other projects. It has been an incredible experience for many of our first time runners on many levels. It has been an expression of love and devotion, a tremendous physical self-accomplishment and an act that can better the lives of so many others with the illness.
If you have interest in running, please let me know. Whether you are a patient or family member or health care professional, that is what Team IBDkids is about. Feel free to either email keith.benkov@mssm.edu or Brandi Johnson at brandi.johnson@mssm.edu or phone 212 241-4993 for the application.
