WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsPutting a face on Crohn's Disease

Putting a face on Crohn's Disease

MADISON (WKOW)-- Two area teens are putting a face on an uncomfortable topic, Crohn's disease. They hope to let other kids know they are not alone and to one day find a cure.

It makes Carly Sorenson and Peter Birke both 'Someone You Should Know.'

19-year-old Carly Sorenson and 18-year-old Peter Birke have become good friends. They met at Camp Oasis 5 years ago.

"It just gives you a sense of community with other people and you don't feel so alone," said Carly.

It was a camp for teens living with a chronic condition called Crohn's disease.

"It causes inflammation of my intestines and esophagus that causes discomfort and pain and sometimes leaves me tired and exhausted for days," said Peter.

"The inflammation in the gut causes scar tissue and it builds up and leads to a blockage and they had to remove it because it was so bad and so they took out quite a bit of my small intestine and colon," said Carly.

According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, nearly one and a half million Americans, 20,000 in Wisconsin, have Crohn's disease and colitis. 150,000 are under the age 18. Wisconsin has the highest incidence of pediatric Crohn's disease in the world.

"Right now we're managing with meds," said Carly. "I am healthy at the moment, as healthy as I get."

"I used to take up to 70 pills a week," said Peter. Luckily, I am down to about one pill a day."

Symptoms can come on fast. But Carly and Peter aren't letting Crohn's slow them down. They are both freshmen in college. Both a face for Crohn's disease.

"Because I remember when I was younger you feel lonely having Crohn's disease because you probably don't know many people who do," said Peter.

And, both aiming for a career in the medical field.

"Currently I am interested in health care management and policy," said Peter.

"Through my own experiences, the doctors and nurses that helped me made a world of difference and I would love to do that in others," said Carly.

Both Carly and Peter have since volunteered at Camp Oasis. Both recently received $10-thousand scholarships from biopharmaceutical company UCB.

You can help find a cure for Crohn's by attending and donating money at the first annual 'Take Steps Walk' in Warner Park in Madison in May.