Colts Neck Twin Sisters Embark On Charity Close To Their Hearts

For as long as they can recall, twin sisters Caroline and Emily Harris have shared everything. Clothing, memories, a secret twin language, playing in and producing music for their band Stealing Jade, vying for the coveted front seat of the car—nothing has ever been off limits for the now 17-year-old Colts Neck High School (CNHS) seniors. “There really are no words to adequately describe being a twin,” said Caroline Harris. “From birth you have explored and experienced everything with another person.”

        However, during the Harris girls’ freshmen year of high school, Caroline began experiencing something inexplicable and completely unique to her. She was constantly fatigued, suffered severe stomach pains, became alarmingly anemic and, despite maintaining a well-balanced diet, reached an exceedingly low protein level. By May 2010, Caroline’s health had deteriorated so much that she did not have the energy to lift an arm and brush her long hair. None of these symptoms could be explained by her severe allergy to nuts, Cold Urticaria—a rare allergy to cold temperatures—or asthma, and Caroline was referred to numerous health specialists for examinations and tests. Eventually, Dr. Jonathan E. Teitlebaum of the Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, N.J. diagnosed her with Eosinophilic Gastritis, a gastrointestinal disease of which there are only 400 confirmed cases worldwide.

        Although the official diagnosis brought a sense of relief to Caroline and her family, the lack of research, treatment or cure for Eosinophilic Gastritis was concerning and has since made everyday life painful and anxiety-laden. “Eosinophilic Gastritis has made daily activities, such as walking or going out to dinner, beyond stressful. At one point, Caroline was so sick she was not even cleared to fly on an airplane,” said Emily. “While I love and will always support Caroline in any way I can, Eosinophilic Gastritis is a struggle our family deals with.”

        Despite the hurdles Caroline and Emily face as a consequence of Eosinophilic Gastritis, the disease’s presence in their lives has not prevented them from continuing to share experiences. In fact, in an unexpected way, it has facilitated a life-long dream: their desire to found a charity. “I have always contributed to [fundraisers and charities] and have volunteered, but I have never had a personal connection to the cause of any of them,” said Emily. “Junior year of high school rolled around, Caroline had already been diagnosed with Eosinophilic Gastritis…and it clicked. What better cause to benefit than the one sitting right next to you at the dinner table? It just made sense.”

        With their cause realized, the determined duo set forth and founded Step by Step: 5k Run/Walk for EG. “The fundraiser was a way for us to be directly involved in really making a difference in finding a cure for Eosinophilic Gastritis,” said Caroline. “I did not want to find a cure just to benefit myself; I wanted to help, educate and reach out to others.”

        The mission of Step by Step, which will be held on October 12, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at CNHS, is to increase public awareness about the rare illness and raise funds to promote Eosinophilic Gastritis research. One-hundred percent of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders and allocated specifically for Eosinophilic Gastritis research. According to Emily, “the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is one of the only clinics and locations that offer research for Eosinophilic Gastritis…Despite Eosinophilic Gastritis not being very well researched, it seems that this incredible medical team is willing to push past the obstacles created and find the cure.”

        In addition to the 5k run/walk portion of the Step by Step event, Caroline and Emily have been working to incorporate attractions such as complimentary goodie bags, food, live music, local vendors and a raffle to entertain attendees and keep the runners and walkers inspired. A variety of sponsors—including School Answers, Healy Chiropractics, ECL Fashions/Accessories, author Barbara Marro, the Red Bank Veterinarian Hospital, J. Vincent Jewelers and Mulberry Market—are assisting the Harris girls in making these attractions a reality.

        Although Step by Step is still a fundraiser in the works, it has received enormous support from CNHS administrators, Caroline and Emily’s fellow National Honor Society (NHS) members and CNHS Supervisor of Extracurricular Activities Jeannette Bruno. According to Caroline, CNHS has even proposed that Step by Step become an annual school- and NHS-sponsored fundraiser.

        Just as CNHS is looking to expand Caroline and Emily’s charity in the years to come, the twins are seeking additional fundraising avenues for Eosinophilic Gastritis research, as well. In the spirit of the sisters’ shared enthusiasm for music, an open-mic night and concert for local bands have been discussed.

        Until the cause of Eosinophilic Gastritis is discovered and those living with the disease can finally receive answers, the Harris twins will undoubtedly continue to fight for their cause. Caroline, who hopes to be a physician specializing in pediatric allergy and immunology, and Emily, whose aspirations range from journalist to lawyer to musician, would like to stay close as they journey off to college so they can continue to support each other and pursue their mutual passions. “My sister and I are not afraid to go after something we want or hold dear to our hearts…Together, we are very strong and determined,” said Caroline.

        If you would like to register for Step by Step: 5K Run/Walk for EG, you can go to the “quick link” online at www.raceforum.com/stepbystep.   To become a sponsor of the walk, you can email stepbystep5krun@gmail.com.  For more information about the Harris twins, you can visit them at stepbystep5krun.wix.com/stepbystep5k.