Five-year-old to be honored at Crohn’s & Colitis walk

Individuals affected and diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases, nicknamed “silent diseases,” plan to be anything but silent May 31.

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America Las Vegas chapter, a nonprofit that raises funds for research, education and patient support, plans its seventh annual Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis walk at 8 a.m. in Exploration Peak Park, 9700 S. Buffalo Drive.

The event is set to include food, educational booths, children’s activities, live entertainment and more, according to organizer Kim Gradisher.

“It’s going to be similar to last year, but it’s going to be our biggest event so far,” Gradisher said. “Just the amount of funds we’ve raised and people involved, it’s going to be huge.”

Although the event is free, participants are encouraged to donate or raise $25 to help reach the foundation’s goal of $40,000. Last year, the nonprofit collected more than $30,000.

“It’s really important to raise much needed funds for research,” Gradisher said. “It’s also an opportunity to create awareness. IBDs are considered silent diseases because those diagnosed with them are usually embarrassed to speak openly about them.”

Despite being similar, Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, whereas ulcerative colitis affects only the colon. Symptoms of both include persistent diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, fever, weight loss and fatigue.

“There are about 1.2 million people affected throughout the country,” Gradisher said. “That’s about 1 in every 200 Americans.”

The foundation has helped about 7,000 patients locally, including Henderson residents Robynn Espinoza and her son Aiden, who is set to be an honoree at the walk.

“He’s so excited (for the walk),” Espinoza said. “He remembers it from last year and can’t wait.”

Aiden, 5, began showing symptoms when he was about 15 months old, according to Espinoza.

“He had repeat infections, fevers, diarrhea and could never gain weight,” Espinoza said. “At his 2-year wellness check-up, the (physician’s assistant) was very concerned and ordered blood tests and X-rays.”

In 2011, Aiden was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.

“With his health still declining from 2011 until last summer, we knew something still wasn’t right,” Espinoza said. “Over three years, he saw an immunologist, endocrinologist, oncologist, six pediatric gastrointestinal doctors. Anyone and everyone.”

Last July, Aiden was rediagnosed with Crohn’s disease and had a feeding tube inserted in his stomach.

“It was hard at first to understand and get used to,” Espinoza said. “We’ve missed out on a lot over the years. We missed birthdays, Christmases, family gatherings because he was always sick.”

Despite the setbacks, Espinoza said Aiden has handled his illness better than she could have imagined.

“He does have moments where he gets frustrated because he doesn’t like being told he can’t do things, but he makes the best out of it,” Espinoza said. “Even when I feel like it’s all too much, he shows me that he can handle it.”

Gradisher said it’s important that the foundation shares Aiden’s story and honor him for his courage and bravery.

“We look for someone who exemplifies courage and strength, and Aiden is phenomenal,” Gradisher said. “He’s a strong little boy. The things he’s been through and the progress he’s making is encouraging to anyone.”

For more information, visit ccfa.org or tinyurl.com/lw4f47f.

Contact Southwest View reporter Caitlyn Belcher at cbelcher@viewnews.com or 702-383-0403.