The Comeback Kids Awards honors the achievements of brave young people living inspirational lives while battling Crohn's and colitis. Thanks to the partnership between CCFA and ConvaTec, a Bristol Myers Squibb Company, the Comeback Kids Awards program is in its second year of celebrating young people.

The winners are:

The Go-Getter
Ryan Malfait, Concord, NH

Riding a bike 105 miles is no easy feat for anyone, yet 13-year-old Ryan who has been living with Crohn's disease for the past three years, didn't let his disease stop him taking on this long course.  This past June he rode to benefit Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.  From one end of the course to the other, Ryan became more comfortable talking about these diseases as he spread the word about them and raised $11,500 to benefit research to find a cure. This is one example of Ryan being an active teenager, but he also kayaks, snowboards, dirt bikes, and plays the electric guitar, all the while remaining on the honor roll at school. Despite hospitalizations, medical procedures and pain, Ryan has overcome the emotional and physical challenges of having a chronic illness. For Ryan's inner strength and determination, we name him a Comeback Kid.

The Optimist
Sandy Tarasiak, 13, Charlton, MA

When diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, Sandy didn't dwell on the tough and painful aspects of what she was facing—instead remained positive and looked at all of the good that could come out of it. She began by finding a way to educate others about her disease through participation in her 7th grade science fair. After a long hospital stay right before surgery to remove her colon, Sandy presented information on ulcerative colitis to her fellow classmates, their parents and teachers, despite all she was going through. Not only did she help people gain awareness of this disease, but she was recognized for doing so as a finalist in the event. Sandy continues to find ways of positively impacting others without letting her disease get in the way, including recently using her involvement in the Girl Scouts to help others living with diseases. At camp last summer, she helped design a playground for pediatric cancer patients, which inspired her to create an activity book for these patients to make their hospital stays as comfortable as possible.  For Sandy's attitude, smile and courage, we name her a Comeback Kid.

The Comic
Alyssa Amos, Bennington, VT

When this 14-year-old began facing symptoms of ulcerative colitis four years ago, she avoided talking about it. Yet four years later, despite the disease being embarrassing, she finds it is so much easier being comfortable enough with it to be able to laugh and make jokes about it. Alyssa is so at ease talking about her disease that after undergoing a temporary ileostomy, she joked about being an exhibit in her anatomy and physiology class. Her humor also translates to the track and field as an avid runner and member of her school's cross country and track teams. She doesn't let her symptoms get in the way of running and participating in field events and can be found joking about finding designated bathroom spots in the woods during training. Putting her humor aside, Alyssa is dedicated to helping others with medical conditions. She recently raised $2,200 for the Foundation and is going to donate her hair to children with medically-related hair loss on the day of her second surgery. For all of her animation, light outlook on her disease and strength to face life, we name Alyssa a Comeback Kid.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application! 

A Night Out in New York