2009 Comeback Kids Recipient, Central Region 
At the age of 8, Laurel Schwartz was diagnosed with a rare form of Crohn’s disease involving lung complications. While she takes several medications to manage her disease, she still experiences the occasional flare-up, yet handles her condition with great composure. She is a vibrant, enthusiastic teenager who has turned her illness into a positive part of her life – becoming a dedicated champion for others with intestinal diseases.
Over the past six years, Laurel has devoted herself to awareness and fundraising projects. She has served as a Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (CCFA) Youth Ambassador, speaking at educational conferences and fundraisers, and is active on the political front, lobbying to pass inflammatory bowel disease bills at the federal and state levels. Laurel also has participated in a public service announcement for colon cancer testing and created YouTube™ videos to share her story. Laurel even started her own organization, Project CURE (Communication, Understanding, Respect and Education) and sells homemade bracelets to raise money ($6,500 to date!) for her local CCFA Camp Oasis.
In addition to her advocacy work, Laurel is an honor roll student, first violinist in her school orchestra, yearbook editor, concert choir singer and school play/local community theater performer.
Laurel, 16, of St. Paul, MN, hopes to become a professional actress or child life specialist. “Every individual has to find their own way to cope with their disease, whether it is fundraising, volunteering or reaching out to peers,” says Laurel. “I want to continue to make a difference and be a voice for other young people with intestinal diseases.”
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