Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center | Patient Stories

When children first come to the Boston Children’s IBD Center, their symptoms are often severe, with excruciating pain, frequent bathroom trips and even significant weight loss. With our help, they overcome their symptoms, learn to manage their condition and go on to lead healthy, happy lives. Learn more about their IBD successes.

Christopher, who was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, playing soccerCaring for Christopher, close to home

After eating pizza one day at school, Christopher Padilha became violently ill, experienced great pain and went to the bathroom almost hourly. His sudden lactose intolerance stumped doctors. His family traveled the 45 miles to Boston Children’s and learned he had Crohn’s disease.




Headshot of Mackenzie, who was faced with a difficult decision — whether or not to defer college for a year to undergo surgery for Crohn’s diseaseSurgery didn't keep Mackenzie down

At 17, Mackenzie Sullivan faced a difficult decision — whether or not to defer college for a year to undergo surgery for Crohn’s disease. Today, she is a happy, healthy college student and her disease is in remission.





Carson, who was diagnosed him with orofacial granulomatosis, a rare, chronic inflammatory condition of the mouth associated with Crohn’s disease, standing in front of Boston Children's.Carson Domey for President

After months of baffling local doctors with Carson Domey’s cheek and gum inflammation, his mother brought him to Boston Children’s, where IBD Center specialists diagnosed him with orofacial granulomatosis, a rare, chronic inflammatory condition of the mouth associated with Crohn’s disease.




Mark, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, on top of a mountain giving the peace signClimbing Mountains

At 14, Mark Donohue was a strong athlete, avid outdoorsman and member of a student band. But his struggles with ongoing cramping, pain and, eventually, blood in his stool, led to a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Mark found the right treatment at Boston Children’s.




Megan, who lived with the constant symptom management of ulcerative colitis, pictured in front of a water fountain Overcoming IBD Obstacles

Megan Hourican lived with the constant symptom management of ulcerative colitis all through high school. But once she reached college, she realized she was struggling with a losing battle. She made the courageous decision to undergo surgery.





Kimberlee, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, in the hospital with a therapy dog on her bedThe right team and game plan for Kimberlee

At age 6, Kimberlee Roy experienced such intense stomach pain that she cried during bowel movements. After a three-week hospital stay and setbacks with medication, her family brought her to Boston Children’s, where doctors diagnosed her with ulcerative colitis.




Vaidehi, picture here at the dinner table with arms outstretched, was diagnosed with a rare genetic immune deficiency — chronic granulomatous disease — as well as a difficult-to-treat form of colitisTreating Vaidehi unique condition

At just 3 months old, Vaidehi Moorthy was diagnosed with a rare genetic immune deficiency — chronic granulomatous disease — as well as a difficult-to-treat form of colitis. Her mother sought the experience of the IBD specialists at Boston Children’s.





Up close shot of Gassen who traveled from Saudi Arabia to Boston to find answers for her very early onset IBDFrom Bahrain to Boston for very early onset IBD care

The Boabed family traveled halfway around the world from Saudi Arabia to Boston to find answers for their 3-year-old daughter, Gassen. She was diagnosed with very early onset IBD and underwent a life-saving stem cell transplantation procedure at Boston Children’s.




Closeup photo of Felix who was diagnosed with Crohn’s diseaseOvercoming an early onset of Crohn’s disease

At 1 year, Felix Hsu shocked his doctors. An endoscopy showed Crohn’s disease, which rarely presents in children before their teens. The Boston Children’s IBD Center expertly took on his care, overseeing everything, including coordinating care when his family moved overseas.

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