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Sawyer at Crohn’s and Colitis Take Steps walk holding green ribbon for IBD awareness

I Don't Look Sick, But...

Crohn’s disease and IBD are often invisible. Many kids look healthy on the outside while fighting pain, fatigue, and inflammation every day.

This page is here to educate, build empathy, and remind kids and families that they are not alone.

Sawyer crawling through a rope tunnel at a playground, showing strength and determination while living with Crohn’s disease and IBD
Sawyer sitting on a tree trunk holding a smile shaped twig to his mouth while smiling
Sawyer smiling outdoors on a sunny day, representing hope and resilience for kids living with Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease playing soccer
Sawyer standing confidently and smiling, raising awareness for Crohn’s disease and invisible illnesses affecting children

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Illustration of the human digestive system highlighting areas affected by Crohn’s disease inflammation

    Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling and irritation in the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the digestive system and often requires lifelong care. There is currently no cure.

    Common symptoms include:
    • Abdominal pain
    • Chronic diarrhea
    • Fatigue
    • Weight loss
    • Poor growth in children

  • Diagram showing inflammatory bowel disease includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis as autoimmune GI conditions
    IBD stands for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. It is an umbrella term that includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the body.

    IBD is not caused by stress, food choices, or something a child did wrong.
  • Venn diagram comparing IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) with shared and distinct symptoms
    IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) sound similar but they are very different.

    IBD causes visible inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. IBS does not. IBD can lead to hospitalizations and surgery. IBS does not cause permanent damage.

    Understanding this difference helps reduce misinformation and stigma.
  • Crohn’s disease impacts more than just the body. Kids with IBD often miss school, sports, and social events. Many spend hours in infusion centers or hospitals. Some struggle with growth delays and anxiety.

    Despite this, kids like Sawyer show incredible strength and resilience every day.
  • There is no one size fits all treatment for Crohn’s disease or IBD. Most kids use a combination of medical care and healthy lifestyle choices to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation.

    Common treatment approaches include:

    Medical treatments
    • Anti inflammatory medications
    • Immune suppressing medications
    • Biologic therapies
    • Steroids for short term symptom control

    Holistic and supportive approaches
    • Nutrition plans designed for IBD (Sawyer is on the Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet)
    • Identifying trigger foods
    • Regular movement and gentle exercise
    • Mental health support and stress management
    • Adequate sleep and hydration

    Treatment plans are highly personal and change over time as a child grows.
  • Sawyer laying in a hospital bed with an IV in his hand supported by family and caregivers during Crohn’s disease treatment, highlighting emotional and physical impacts of pediatric IBD
    Many children with Crohn’s disease receive medication through infusions. Infusions are treatments given through an IV that help calm the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body.

    Infusion appointments can last several hours and often happen every few weeks. While infusions help kids feel better long term, the days themselves can be tiring and stressful.

    That is why comfort items, encouragement, and support mean so much to kids in infusion units.
  • Awareness leads to earlier diagnosis. Research leads to better treatments. Support leads to hope.

    Every dollar raised and every conversation shared brings us closer to a cure so kids can focus on being kids.
  • An adult female and female child packing infusion day activity bags
    You can help by learning, sharing, volunteering, and supporting research. Whether you pack an infusion bag, join a walk, or tell someone about IBD, you are part of the solution.

    Together, we are making Crohn’s visible and hope unstoppable.

Contact Info

(305) 773-9826

stridesforsawyer.com

Instagram: @stridesforsawyer

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