For Conner and his family, the path to a Crohn’s disease diagnosis came unexpectedly. Conner, an active 11-year-old, was living life to the fullest until sudden symptoms disrupted his world. Stomach pain, rapid weight loss, and an inability to have a bowel movement led Conner to the emergency room. After initial treatment, he was transferred to a local hospital, where an endoscopy and colonoscopy in September 2023 confirmed the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.
Conner’s mom, Charity, shares that the abrupt change in her son’s health was unanticipated. “He was very active right up until about a week before he was hospitalized,” she shared, reflecting on how sudden the symptoms appeared.
After diagnosis, Conner and his family were referred to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, by their local physician. There, they found a team of specialists ready to support Conner through every step of his journey. Under the care of Dr. Palomo, Dr. Poulos, Dr. Dorman, and APRN Vanessa Fadul, Conner has been making progress with treatments that include Remicade and Methotrexate. Charity appreciates the compassion and expertise they’ve encountered at Nemours Children’s, saying, “The doctors have been great. They truly care about the children and parents.”
“As a member of the multidisciplinary IBD team that supports patients like Conner, I have the privilege of being a witness to his remarkable story of being diagnosed and living with Crohn’s disease,” shares Leah Wimberly, LCSW. “Despite facing disease-related complications and the challenges that come with managing a chronic illness, Conner radiates resilience and positivity. His unwavering determination to overcome obstacles, paired with his infectious optimism and smile, inspires not only myself but our entire team. He reminds us daily of the power of a strong spirit and the incredible ability to find light even in the toughest moments. It’s an honor to be a part of his journey and celebrate his strength!”
Each day, Conner is regaining strength, one step at a time. While he looks forward to eventually hopping back on a bike, he’s content for now to take neighborhood walks, enjoying the fresh air and meeting people along the way. “He’s getting better every day,” Charity shares, “We are beyond grateful for the care Conner is receiving.”
For families facing a similar journey, Charity’s advice is simple yet powerful: “Don’t give up. Listen to your doctors. They know what they are talking about.” As we recognize Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week, Conner’s journey highlights the strength within every child facing these conditions, and the impact of compassionate, expert care at Nemours Children’s Health.
