Appleton teen honored for her courage in fighting disease

Published: November 28, 2006 | 5096th good news item since 2003

Fifteen-year-old Becca Davis is a Comeback Kid, and proud of it. [Easy for You to Say: Q and As For Teens Living With Chronic Illness or Disabilities]

The Appleton girl was named one of three nationwide winners of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s 2006 Comeback Kid awards, which are presented to young people between the ages of 7 and 17 who have shown courage while living with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or have an ostomy.

Entrants submitted an essay, and winners were selected based on service to the community; academic, athletic or extracurricular achievement; active lifestyle and positive attitude. Becca and her family received the award during a recent all-expenses paid trip to New York.

“I decided to enter this essay (contest) because … the more people that know about Inflammatory Bowel Disease and hear the stories of people like me, the more likely it will be that they will find a cure,” Becca said. “I just do not want anyone to feel as alone as I did when I was told I have ulcerative colitis (five years ago). I was in a dark place, and I felt so alone. If I can help anyone not to feel like that, it will make me happy.”

Becca and friend Ryan Hussey, who has Crohn’s disease, organized a fundraiser, “Bowlin’ for Your Colon,” in the spring to raise money for scholarships to Camp Oasis, a national program sponsored by CCFA held in August at Camp Young Judea in Waupaca.

“They also started a youth support group for kids who have Crohn’s and colitis so they could get together with kids similar to them,” said Becca’s mother, Katie Davis.

Becca, who was diagnosed in fourth grade, also is working to help raise money for the CCFA to help with research to find a cure.

“I believe that the judges selected me as a Comeback Award winner because I am trying to help others and in the process I am helping myself,” she said.

Published in Kids & Teens
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