Wisconsin has the highest number of children affected by a widely unknown disease called Crohn's. One of them lives in Northcentral Wisconsin and she's the honored hero of the year.
Four years ago when Megan Stankowksi lost 10 pounds within weeks and got weak and pale, she and her parents knew something was wrong.
After several tests, she was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, an inflammatory disease of the intestines. It primarily causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss and vomiting. Treatment for Megan involves daily doses of vitamins at home and intravenous medication every eight weeks at Marshfield Clinic in Wausau.
"It's basically like my intestines are on something I like to sum it up as 'hyper speed' and I come here (Marshfield Clinic) every two months to get Remicaide which is the IV medication that basically cools them down so that they're just normal intestines."
She says attending Camp Oasis in Waupaca every summer with other children diagnosed with Crohn's has helped her realize that she isn't alone.
Megan, her family and friends are gearing up for the inaugural "Take Steps be Heard" walk for Crohn's and a similar disease known as Colitis. It's taking place at Oak Island Park in Wausau on Saturday, October 1.
Megan's goal is to raise $3,000 for research. If you would like to help or learn more about the event, click on the link below.
