MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach participated in the 2024 Orange County Take Steps, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s largest nationwide fundraising campaign, as a title sponsor to raise awareness for children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Over 400 participants took steps at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, raising over $150,000 to accelerate research, advance treatments, and provide education and support programs for those living with IBD.
This year, Rocky Meredith, a patient at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program, was chosen to be the Orange County Take Steps Pediatric Honored Hero. Honored Heroes share their stories to let other patients know they are not alone on their journeys. Through their stories, Honorees raise awareness and raise funds to inspire hope in those living with IBD.
“For the last six years, my life has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs,” says Rocky. “I’ve failed nearly every medication available. I’ve had periods of remission, mostly short ones, and at times when my flare-ups were so bad, I had to stay in the hospital for an entire month. During another fare-up, I had a PICC line and could not eat for three months.”
Crohn’s disease not only took a toll on Rocky’s physical health but her mental health as well. Because of Crohn’s, she missed birthday parties, family get-togethers, and countless school days. Rocky has lost friendships due to not being available all the time. This has created a lot of anxiety surrounding her personal life.
“But even in the darkest moments, there's been light – I have an amazing doctor, Dr. Steinmetz,” says Rocky. “Dr. Steinmetz and his extraordinary team at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital have been my rock. They've shown me time and time again that they don’t just see me as a patient but as a person. Throughout every hospitalization, every infusion, and every anxious check-up,
Dr. Steinmetz and his team have been there, showing me incredible kindness, understanding me, and supporting me.”
Barry Steinmetz, M.D., the medical director for the Gastroenterology & Nutrition Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, has diagnosed and has been treating Rocky for the past six years. While there is no cure for IBD, with effective condition management, routine doctor visits, and medication, patients can lead better lives.
According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, over 80,000 children are affected by IBD in the United States, and that number is on the rise. The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital offers a holistic approach to IBD care, including advanced endoscopic procedures, age-appropriate medical therapies, steroid-sparing medications, infusions, individualized dietary plans and psychological support. The program brings together a wide range of care specialists to support the child and family in managing their individual needs. Through a comprehensive approach, the pediatric IBD team works to support children with IBD in attaining remission and optimizing their quality of life.
“I know firsthand the profound impact that Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis can have, not only on the child diagnosed but also on the entire family,” says Dr. Steinmetz. “These chronic conditions bring physical pain, emotional stress and a sense of uncertainty that affects every aspect of life. That’s why I am deeply committed to my work, striving to put these patients in remission every single day.”
Together, we are making strides toward a future where every child with IBD can lead a healthier, fuller life. Miller Children’s & Women’s remains committed to this cause, advocating for every child and family navigating the challenges of IBD. Events like Take Steps fuels Miller Children’s & Women’s mission to advance treatments, improve patient care and ultimately, find a cure.
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