By Molly Alexander
Greenwich, CT – A Focus on a Cure in March was an evening of dining, auctioning and, most of all, awareness for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative colitis for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. These diseases, like many others, are not visible on the outside so it’s difficult for many to understand the toll it can have on one’s body. While it appears invisible on the outside, it’s wreaking havoc inside.
Guests had the opportunity to hear in depth about the struggles of Crohn’s and colitis through speeches given by Jeremy Schaap of ESPN and our own Horace Greeley junior, Greg Murray. Greg was diagnosed around his second birthday with ulcerative colitis. For the past 14 years of his life, he has been meeting with doctors from different states and cities, going through many procedures and changing medications. Having his first colonoscopy at only 20-months old, Greg had all the usual symptoms of a UC patient. Since his diagnosis, Greg has been dealing with constant flare-ups: really bad stomach aches and cramps. Some days he has been better than others but despite all his pain, baseball is what has kept Greg feeling normal and continuing his life like any other kid. He’s played the sport all his life and has been dedicated to the Greeley baseball team as well.
Not too long ago, Greg underwent three surgeries over a period of five months after conventional medicine failed to help him. Surgery restored a sense of normalcy in Greg’s life, and of course, allowed him to play in the final two games of his baseball season.
“Here I am today and I feel great. It’s a relief not having to take any more medicine on a daily basis. My dream to be able to go away to college and play baseball is now possible and I am excited about my future,” he said. For this bravery and tolerance throughout his life, Greg was awarded the 2017 Rising Star Award, and walked off with autographed gear from his favorite teams. The event raised over $550,000 to benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and research to find a cure. If you’re interested in becoming involved, don’t hesitate to email Lisa Harding lharding@crohnscolitisfoundation.org or visit chronscolitisfoundation.org to find out about programs and events.
Molly Alexander, a junior in the LIFE School at Horace Greeley High School, is an intern for Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk Magazines this spring.