Daniel Livius Kraciun

2008 Ina Brudnick Award Recipient, Central Region

As a high school wrestler, Daniel Livius Kraciun of Avon, OH, was no stranger to the scale. So when he began to lose weight unexpectedly in his junior year, Daniel became concerned and immediately went to the doctor. He was shocked to learn that he had Crohn’s disease.

For the next three years, Daniel struggled to manage his disease – both physically and emotionally – and had to give up many of the activities he loved, including wrestling. Then, when Daniel was a college sophomore, he became very sick due to a Crohn’s flare-up and underwent surgery. While at times he felt angry and fearful about his disease, Daniel says that his faith and the support of his family and girlfriend sustained him throughout his darkest times.

Today, Daniel, 22, is pain-free and enjoys playing softball, riding his dirt bike and swimming. He is a full-time student at Cleveland State University, majoring in communications with a focus on digital media, and is working on a documentary about the myths and realities of living with digestive diseases and ostomy surgery.

In addition to raising awareness about digestive diseases, Daniel encourages others to “Find a way to share your experience – whether it be art, music, speaking, or your career – not only will it give you personal satisfaction but it will give hope and inspiration to others.”