Brothers lead Gutsy Walk for Crohn’s and colitis
Kohen and Callyn Connolly both live with the painful disorder
Eight-year-old Callyn Connolly suffered for nearly a year before he was finally diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.
Now 14, Callyn says he hopes other kids don’t have to bear what he did before the cause is found.
That’s one of the reasons he and his 10-year-old brother Kohen, who also has Crohn’s, are the honorary cochairs of an upcoming walk for Crohn’s and colitis.
“It’ll bring awareness that little children can get it,” said Callyn, while sitting in his living room in Havelock on Wednesday.
The 2018 Gutsy Walk is a fundraiser for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, with funds backing research.
Crohn’s is an autoimmune disorder which sees inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Colitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. Their causes are unknown.
The 5-kilometre walk is happening June 3 at Riverview Park and Zoo. Registration is at 9:30 a.m., warm up is at 10:45 a.m. and the walk starts at 11 a.m.
Kohen and Callyn were nominated for the role by a nurse at a city clinic where the boys get three-hour intravenous treatments every six weeks.
Their mom Tanya Connolly said the boys never kick up a fuss and always have a positive attitude when
they go to the clinic.
“There’s never any complaining and they’re always joking with the nurses... they’re their best patients,” said Tanya.
The boys are also under the care of Sick Kids in Toronto and are part of a study group that researches potential causes.
Kohen was diagnosed in just a few weeks at the age of 6, a much easier task when Tanya knew what to look for.
When her husband experienced symptoms a few years ago, the mother of five knew right away what was going on.
But when it all started in 2012, Tanya didn’t know the signs and symptoms. She also never would have assumed her 8-year-old had Crohn’s.
“I didn’t think Crohn’s was a disease that children got,” she said. “I didn’t realize how many kids actually had Crohn’s.”
Tanya spent eight months in and out of hospitals and doctor’s appointments with Callyn, never satisfied when they said it wasn’t serious. It wasn’t until she drove him to Sick Kids that she eventually got answers.
Walking as a family, the Connollys hope their efforts will draw attention to Crohn’s, with the hope of helping others who might be suffering blindly.
The day of the walk, the boys will share their journeys with Crohn’s before leading walkers along the route.
“It’s kind of special… it will be good to let people know how important this is so we can get more research to maybe help to cure it,” CAllyn said of his honorary role.
Both boys, Callyn in Grade 9 at Norwood District High School and Kohen in Grade 5 at Havelock-Belmont Public School, said kids their age have never heard of Crohn’s. “I say it’s something that hurts your bowel and give you tons of pain,” said Kohen.
For parents who might have a sick child who isn’t getting the care they need, Tanya said to keep fighting.
“You know your child the best and if somebody is telling you it’s just a tummy ache and you feel like it’s something else going on, don’t be afraid to be a bull.”
NOTE: For online registration or to donate directly to a participant or team, go to www.gutsywalk.ca