Our mission is to support, engage, and empower pediatric IBD patients and their families

120+
Families Served
100+
Warrior Bags Donated
200+
Events Held
100K+
Raised Funds
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The story of how our company was founded

IBD Connect Inc. was founded by Lisa Fournier following the diagnosis of her oldest daughter, Jaimee, with Crohn’s disease in 2018. Lisa was no stranger to IBD; her youngest daughter, Randi, had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2002 at the age of four. Balancing Randi’s needs with those of her three other children and her professional responsibilities was challenging, but Lisa navigated it with determination.

When Randi began middle school, Lisa recognized the potential benefits of connecting Randi with peers facing similar challenges. However, she discovered that there were not any local pediatric IBD support groups in Worcester County, MA. Driven by a strong desire to support and encourage other IBD families, Lisa and Randi decided to establish their own support group at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, MA. This group emphasized caring for the entire family, understanding that an IBD diagnosis impacts not just the child but their loved ones as well.

As the support group grew, it became evident that the need for IBD support extended beyond their immediate circle. When Jaimee was diagnosed, Lisa took a bold step to expand her efforts, transforming the support group into a nonprofit organization in January of 2019. Thus, IBD Connect, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide comprehensive support to pediatric IBD patients and their families.

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Our Programs and Initiatives

Each of our services is thoughtfully designed to fulfill one or more of these core objectives: Support, Engage, and Empower.

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Empower

Volunteer Program: A variety of volunteer opportunities to help make a difference.

Blog Collaborations: Share your IBD journey as a guest blogger or through interview features, amplifying voices within the community.

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Engage

Support Groups: Regular in-person and virtual groups offer a community of encouragement for families, caregivers, and young adults.

Special Events: Family-focused events like BBQs, amusement park trips, and fall festivals foster connection and support.

Fundraising Events: Engaging events that unite the community and support our mission.

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Support

Fleece Blanket Program: Handmade fleece blankets, created by pediatric group members, are gifted to new members as a warm welcome and symbol of support.

Financial Assistance & Scholarships: Offering financial relief and scholarships, thanks to our generous donors, to ease the burden on families.

Warrior Bag Program: Hospitals receive "warrior bags" for newly diagnosed pediatric IBD patients, filled with comforting and engaging items.

Online Blog: Monthly educational blogs by a registered nurse provide valuable insights for IBD patients, caregivers, and families.

Our Board of Directors

Meet the people making a difference in the IBD community.

Lisa Fournier

Lisa Fournier

Founder - Executive Director
Tricia Bowen

Tricia Bowen

Board of Directors
Elaina Repucci

Elaina Repucci

Board of Directors

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