Community Corner
Young newlyweds and parents who lost a son find hope in one another’s stories
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America have announced the 2014 Take Steps Walk Honored Heroes. Alexandra and Phil Hering of San Clemente, CA and Denise and Joel Sperber of Laguna Woods, CA. Denise and Joel’s son, born in 1977, faced a hard road after being diagnosed at 11 weeks old with Crohn’s disease. The couple never imagined how their lives would be turned upside down by this diagnosis, or how their son’s life, which tragically ended at age 29, would ultimately affect the next generation. In one year, due to Phil’s diagnosis, Alexandra and Phil faced postponing their wedding, loss of Phil’s job, and $750,000 in medical bills. Today, as volunteers for CCFA, both couples have empowered themselves to share their story and reach out to others, bringing to life CCFA’s mission: to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases.
Through both couples efforts, they have established a monthly support group at Saddleback Hospital and created a series of videos surrounding the diseases.
Take Steps 2014 Orange County Walk takes place Sunday, May 18, 2014 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in Irvine at William R. Mason Regional Park at 18712 University Drive.
For more information visit:
http://cctakesteps.org/orangecounty
