Lisa Fournier runs both the Worcester Family Support Group as well as the Caregiver’s Group. Her daughter Randi was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2002 at the age of 4 and her daughter Jaimee in 2018 at the age of 28. When Randi was 14, they decided to start a Support Group at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. The group was an amazing hit and soon had many other families that were benefiting from their services. Fast forward to 2022 and the group is still going strong. Many of the members who have outgrown the group still come back to help with the younger members. In her spare time, Lisa loves being with her children and her grandsons Noah and Auggie.
Laura Lazear & Katie Raggins, Support Group Leaders
Laura Lazear runs the Maine chapter of IBD Connect, Inc. and is the mother of group member Lyla. She and her family moved to Maine from Florida in 2018 to enjoy having four seasons. Drawing upon her background in public relations, Laura is passionate about making connections for children with IBD and fundraising to provide support for both patients and IBD research organizations. IBD Connect has been life changing for her whole family and she is thrilled to be able to provide the same support to Maine children living with Crohn’s and Colitis.
Katie Raggins is a co-leader of the IBD Connect, Inc. Maine chapter. As the aunt of group member, Lyla, Katie is significantly involved in Lyla's day-to-day care by attending many of her doctor appointments and educating herself about IBD . She loves being able to provide encouragement and support for kids and families living with IBD. Katie works as an optician and enjoys spending time with her family and cooking.
