Gabriel

Gabriel is a diehard baseball fan and a proud geek whose childhood was disrupted when his body began behaving in ways no one could explain. His lifelong battle with Crohn’s disease (CD) revealed his true grit, teaching him that strength often means knowing when to lean on others—and that the person he wanted to be was not lost, just hidden.

The saga begins

Gabriel’s symptoms, like belly pain and cramping, started in preschool, but his healthcare providers dismissed them. By fourth grade, his symptoms caused him to miss an entire school year. He felt left behind as his peers and friends moved forward. At age 16, Gabriel was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. He chose not to share his diagnosis widely, wanting people to know his passions, his humor, and his strengths—not his condition.

Even then, I sensed that my body was telling a story no one had yet learned how to read.

Against the odds

Around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gabriel was diagnosed with a form of CD: pulmonary Crohn’s. He was placed on a treatment, which led to severe side effects that altered his appearance and personality. At his lowest point, Gabriel saw himself as an illness, not a person. During hospital stays, he escaped into sci-fi movies and TV shows. His favorite characters, despite being in galaxies far away, reminded him that struggle doesn’t erase strength. Inspired, he decided to push past obstacles and fight for himself.

Strength from within and without

Gabriel and his healthcare provider found a treatment plan that helped him manage his Crohn’s. While he still experiences occasional flare-ups and fatigue, his medication is working well, and he’s now a junior in college—something that once felt out of reach. Gabriel has learned to speak up for himself, but he’s also learned he doesn’t have to do it alone. He leans on others in his support system, including his healthcare team. In his hardest moments, he looks to the things that bring him joy, from baseball to lightsabers.

I’m not just managing a condition—I’m creating a life that reflects who I truly am.

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