Meet our 2006 Comeback Kids!

CCFA is delighted to announce the winners of the 2006 Comeback Kid Awards. These awards are presented to young people between the ages of seven and 17 who have shown courage and determination while living with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or have an ostomy. This program, formerly known as Local Hero Patient Celebration Program, is sponsored by CCFA in partnership with ConvaTec, a division of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

The awards will be presented at CCFA's 2006 Volunteer Leadership Conference, held in New York on November 18. During their all-expenses-paid trip to New York, the winners and their families will enjoy a night on the town, including dinner and a show.

When appropriate, Comeback Kid winners serve as spokespersons for various CCFA activities and programs. Among other activities, previous winners have spoken at CCFA chapter events and appeared at our first national advocacy conference in Washington, D.C.

And the Winners Are...

Lauren Belanger
Northern California Chapter

Diagnosed with Crohn's Disease as a 3rd grader and landing both modeling and acting gigs by the age of 13 is just the beginning of Lauren Belanger's story.  From a young age, Lauren dealt with heavy steroid therapy, the puffy face, and the reaction of kids at school.  By the time she reached 7th grade she faced emergency surgery, which left her in bed for most of the year.  The very next year she moved clear across the country and found a new doctor, but Lauren thrived in her new surroundings, Travis Air Force Base, CA.

Last summer alone Lauren was a CCFA Youth Ambassador, an intern at the local newspaper, a counselor at CCFA Camp Oasis, a volunteer at the homeless shelter, had a leading role in a play, starred in a commercial, and was still able to hold down a full-time job. 

Lauren believes, "If you continue to look at the bright side of things, you can always come out of a bad place with a smile on your face from conquering the challenge. If you get kicked off the horse, saddle up again and ride harder next time." 

It's clear Lauren has put that smile on her face and no one will stop her from reaching her goals - we are delighted to name her a 2006 Comeback Kid.

Becca Davis
Wisconsin Chapter

The typical Appleton, WI, kid doesn't grow up dreaming of a long, challenging journey with ulcerative colitis.  When 15-year-old Becca Davis was diagnosed five years ago, she felt angry and alone. 

After much resistance, Becca agreed to attend CCFA Camp Oasis in Waupaca, Wisconsin.  But while there, she realized for the first time that there were other kids on the same journey.  Given how Camp Oasis changed her life, Rebecca wanted to make sure every kid with Crohn's or colitis could share that feeling as well.  Three years ago Becca and a good friend created "Bowling for Your Colon" to raise money to send kids to Camp Oasis. 

Becca has not only raised money to send kids to camp in Waupaca, but has helped other chapters with their fundraisers for camp and started a local pediatric support group. 

She demonstrates her strength with her words, "…if I never started on this journey, there are so many kind people I would never have known, so many things I would never have done, and so many blessings I would never have received."  For Becca's determination and drive she has been named a 2006 Comeback Kid.

Michelle Flude
Greater Los Angeles Chapter

Like most high school students entering their senior year, Michelle Flude looked forward to senior activities - parties, prom preparation, beach bonfires, and playing for the varsity softball team.
 
What Michelle wasn't prepared for were the two surgeries and nights spent at home on the couch. Her ostomy had given her five years of remission, but started to have prolapses (shifting of the ostomy internally) at least once a week.  With the softball season approaching, Michelle decided to have an ostomy repair surgery in the fall to allow enough recovery time before the season.  Much to Michelle's dismay, her softball season ended after just two weeks when she became too sick to play.  Although Michele had another surgery in February, she managed to take (and pass) 3 AP tests, participate in all senior year activities, and was awarded a graduation speech - all with very few people aware of her struggle the last few months of the school year.

Despite Michelle's surgeries and illness throughout high school, she also managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA, active involvement in CCFA and other organizations like the Starlight Starbright Foundation, and has since moved on to attend college.  Currently, Michelle is in her freshman year at Northern Arizona University.  We are proud to name Michelle Flude, a 2006 Comeback Kid.


How Winners Are Chosen

Kids and teenagers across the U.S. submitted applications to the 2006 Comeback Kid Program. Winners were chosen based on criteria including service to the community; academic, athletic, or extracurricular achievement; active lifestyle; and positive attitude.

"We're proud to recognize and celebrate these extraordinary young people," said Richard Geswell, CCFA's President. "Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can be both physically and emotionally devastating, especially to kids. All of our applicants and winners serve as role models for those who suffer from these illnesses."

Our judging committee noted that every child who applied had a deeply moving and compelling story.

CCFA is grateful to ConvaTec for its support of this very special program. Applications for the 2007 Comeback Kid will be available from May to September through CCFA's Web site, our local chapters, participating practicing gastroenterology physician offices, the CCFA Camp Oasis program, or by calling 800-932-2423.