Port Washington Teen Honored by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America

A 17-year-old Port Washington resident will be honored by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America for her commitment to raising funds and awareness to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Tracy Naschek, a senior at Paul D. Schreiber High School, unfortunately knows what it’s like to have a debilitating disease that affects her everyday life. Tracy was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when she was just 10-years-old.

Crohn’s disease is a medically incurable disease that attacks the digestive system. It can leave you in severe pain and it seriously limits the type of foods you are allowed to eat.

Tracy decided to join Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America and its Take Steps program in 2010 to help cope with the disease.

Since joining, she has raised nearly $16,000 to help find cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. She raises money by asking family and friends to make donations to the Take Steps walk events.

Her goal for this year’s walk, which will be held on Oct. 4, is to raise $10,000. You can help Tracy raise money and read more about her story by going here.

“It’s exciting raising money to help myself and those suffering,” Tracy said. “It’s fun rallying up and getting together.”

She will be honored as the 2015 Shining Star Honored Hero for the first-ever Gold Coast Long Island Take Steps Walk for CCFA, which is a 3-mile walk from Americana Manhasset to Wheatley Plaza.

The walk kicks off at 9 a.m. and will incorporate local residents and businesses. Learn more about the Gold Coast Long Island Take Steps Walk for CCFA.