Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

Honored Heroes

Each year, we honor patients and advocates at our Take Steps events nationwide. These local heroes are central to the mission of the Foundation and their stories shed light on the difficult journey of IBD patients across the country experience Each honored hero works with their local chapter to spread awareness in the community through their fundraising efforts and by fearlessly sharing their story.

These are just a few of the amazing stories behind some of the 2022 Honored Heroes across the country. We will continue to feature new honorees throughout the year, so be on the lookout for your community leader!

Stephen Kalish - New York City

Stephen: Patient

I cannot wait to bring my family to the Take Steps walk this year and have them share in this honor.

Read Stephen's Story

Laura Crain - Houston

Laura: Crohn's Fighter

I chose to become a child life specialist because I wanted to help patients and families through difficult times.

Read Laura's Story

Kleffman Family - Minnesota

The Kleffman Family

We have carried each other through the challenges and fears faced when battling a chronic disease.

Read the Kleffman's Story

Nominate a local honored hero

If you or someone you love would be interested in being a local honored hero, please complete the form below.

Your Contact Information


*	First Name: Required
*	Last Name: Required
*	Email: Required
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	If you respond and have not already registered, you will receive periodic updates and communications from Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.

Question - Required - Please Tell Us The Name of Your Nominated Local Honored Hero

Question - Required - Please Tell Us Why They Should be Honored as a Local Hero

Question - Required - Please select a Take Steps Walk Where You Wish for Us to Publish Your Hero Story

We would love to include a photo with your story. Please email a photo with your Name and Hero's Name to takesteps@crohnscolitisfoundation.org.

Question - Required - Would you also like to share this story on the Take Steps website, emails and social media?

By submitting your information on the Take Steps website, you grant the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation (the Foundation) or its authorized agent permission to publish, reproduce, record and use your stories as the Foundation or the authorized agent sees fit in any medium or forum in a manner which helps to further the Foundation mission. You agree to release and hold harmless the Foundation from any and all liability by any third party that may arise from the release of information to any third party or by any third party and agree that all text and other content made by you, for you or the person for whom you are the parent/guardian, shall be the exclusive property of the Foundation. The Foundation cannot verify every claim made by a third party contributor to our website and is not responsible for the authenticity of information posted.