Lyla was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in early 2019. Her disease was not responsive to medications and she underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in three stages. Lyla now deals with chronic pouchitis, but never lets it get in her way. As a dedicated member of IBD Connect, Lyla loves making connections with other kids with IBD. Over the past three years she has raised over $50,000 for IBD related organizations, including IBD Connect. Also, Lyla is the 2022 Champion for Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Children's Miracle Network Hospitals program. She and her family will serve as ambassadors for the hospital by sharing her story. In her free time, Lyla is a competitive swimmer, plays the piano and is preparing for her Bat Mitzvah.

Keep up the good work Lyla! 
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