Doctors Attend Informative Event on Crohn’s and Colitis

On Tuesday evening, nearly 100 men and women gathered at ULY for an evening of information, support, and laughs as Mendy Pellin and a panel of doctors addressed the crowd regarding Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitisi (referred to jointly as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD.)

Mendy Pellin opened with his personal journey about Ulcerative Colitis, sharing hilarious anecdotes that lightened the mood and helped everyone feel more comfortable.

With up to 5% of adult patients, and more than a few pediatric patients seen at ODA with some form of IBD, Dr. Eli Rosen, beloved community doctor, emphasized that people can live full, happy lives despite their medical diagnoses. Dr. Rosen shared how maintaining a positive and uplifted attitude, believing “tracht gut vet zein gut” is not just a sweet sentiment, but actually affects the way we live and feel.

Dr. David Hudesman, a leading Gastroenterologist and director of NYU’s IBD center, provided a thorough review of the condition; what factors contribute to its development; and the multitude of treatment options. He conveyed a sense of optimism, underscoring how manageable IBD can be, and prioritizing a great quality of life for all patients.

Dr. Laurie Keefer, a Gastro-Psychologist and director for Psychobehavioral Research at Mount Sinai addressed the mental and emotional impact of living with IBD. A trailblazer in her field, she highlighted how critical and impactful appropriate support can be, and offered practical solutions and ideas.

In the Q&A that followed, attendees had the opportunity to anonymously ask their questions to specific doctors, covering a range of topics including medications, diet, mental health, and new, emerging research.

One attendee noted that in the 40 years they’ve been living with IBD, the only support group available was when she arranged a group of 5 women from other communities who responded to her advertisements seeking peer support around this. To see tens of community members now gathered to learn more and be there for each other, was in itself already healing.

A parent mentioned how she thought her son was the only child in the community with Crohn’s. Now, after meeting several other parents, she feels more confident in her ability to help him manage his symptoms and maintain a normal, healthy childhood.

The event was intended to introduce the community to a new initiative, the Crown Heights Crohn’s and Colitis Support. The CHCCS was recently formed as it recognized the need for social support, and to destigmatize the condition. The CHCCS currently has a WhatsApp group for patients with Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, and is planning to offer regular support groups for patients, as well as groups for parents and spouses/caregivers of those with IBD.

The next event, scheduled to take place before Pesach, will feature a health expert who specializes in IBD, to discuss tips and offer advice regarding staying flare-free and feeling good over Pesach. In addition, CHCCS has a database of recommended Gastroenterologists, surgeons, nutritionists, and psychologists.

If you are a patient, or know someone who could benefit, please reach out to [email protected].

To access the recording of the event, please email [email protected].

The Crown Heights Crohn’s and Colitis Support

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