Hi! My name is Simran Vaswani and I am in 11th grade. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in October 2023. At first, I felt really isolated by my disease, and I did not know how to talk about it with my friends and family. I let it define me, and I was not ready to accept the new changes that it brought into my life. Yet, in June 2024, I went to Camp Oasis and I was grateful to meet so many other kids like me who were struggling with similar experiences. When I came home, I wanted to recreate that same comfortable space of camp for teens so they can talk about their experiences with IBD. By founding the Take Steps Youth Leadership Committee, I hope to help young adults like me to see themselves as more than just their chronic illness, and teach them to be an advocate.
The Take Steps Youth Leadership Committee is a group of high school students living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that are passionate about making a difference. Through leadership, advocacy, and community building, we strive to support others with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis while raising awareness and driving change.
Our mission is to empower young leaders to create a strong and supportive community for those affected by IBD. Through advocacy, education, and fundraising, we work to raise awareness, foster connections, and inspire action. By leading with empathy and determination, we strive to build a united community.
Our goal is to develop the next generation of passionate advocates who will continue to raise awareness, support research, and strengthen the IBD community. Through leadership opportunities and collaborative efforts, we aim to create lasting change and improve the lives of those impacted by Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
05/17/2025
Mike Ward Community Park
Irvine, CA
06/08/2025
Tongva Park
Santa Monica, CA
