I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis ("UC") at age 16 and struggled to adjust to the reality of a multitude of symptoms that were often unpredictable and severe. In the course of learning to acclimate, I began to research what people with UC and Crohn's Disease recommend having on hand to help them feel more comfortable when experiencing symptoms. After gathering recommendations from other patients and providers, I came up with an idea to help other kids who were newly diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease ("IBD"). This idea became "The Good to Go Project" and its mission is to assemble self-care kits and distribute them to GI practices, IBD centers and hospitals for their newly diagnosed pediatric patients. We also donate these self-care kits to schools and camps where they are used as emergency supply kits for kids with IBD.  And we distribute these kits at educational events to help raise awareness and support. Over the years, we have put these kits into the hands of hundreds of pediatric GI patients across the Chicagoland area.

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The goal of The Good to Go Project is to support new pediatric IBD patents by providing them with the self-care tools they need to manage their symptoms and stress so that they feel more prepared, confident, and "good to go." Working with my GI doctor and with a psychologist, I identified a list of items that would be helpful to have in a care kit both for practical purposes and to relieve anxiety.  

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The Good to Go kit contains the following items:1) one drawstring bag; 2) flushable wipes; 3) hand sanitizer; 4) toilet seat covers; 5) air sanitizer; 6) restroom access card; 7) tissues; 8) bottled water; 9) large zipper storage bag; 10) pill organizer; 11) stress ball/fidget toy; and 12) twist puzzle/mini Rubik's cube/other toy.

 

I hope that these care kits help other kids feel a little less anxious about their IBD and more confident that they can manage this condition. If you are interested in receiving these care bags at no charge, please contact me at goodtogoproject@gmail.com or through the contact page on this website and I will get them to you.

 

Zach, age 23

The Good to Go Project