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Interviews
M.B. Mooney: Raising Awareness Through Children’s Literature
Michelle Garber, a member of the CtoC Leadership Development Council, interviews author M.B. Mooney about his children's book, The Mouse Who Couldn’t Eat Cheese. The book aims to bring awareness to Crohn's disease and foster empathy for children with invisible illnesses.
David Soren: Author & Filmmaker on Living with IBD
As part of our interview series highlighting voices in the IBD community, Maya Scholder, one of our LDC members, interviews David Soren, author and filmmaker known for his work on Captain Underpants, Turbo, Shrek, and Madagascar. David discusses portraying life with IBD in his debut middle-grade novel, Invisible: The (Sort Of) True Story of Me and My Hidden Disease.
Larry Nance, Jr.: The Power of Community and Advocacy
As part of our 2025 IBD Awareness Campaign, Lowell spoke with Larry Nance Jr. about his experiences with IBD, from years of unexplained fatigue to becoming an NBA player who refuses to let Crohn's define him. Larry discusses his organization, Athletes vs. Crohn’s & Colitis, and how they’re supporting young athletes facing IBD.
Amanda and Jake Diekman: Family and Support with Ulcerative Colitis
Lowell speaks with Jake Diekman, an MLB pitcher, and his wife Amanda about living with ulcerative colitis during our Awareness Campaign. From hospital stays and surgeries to infusions before games, Jake never let his IBD take him off the mound. Jake’s story highlights resilience, while Amanda’s support shows the importance of caregivers in navigating IBD.
Mike McCready: Music as Healing While Living with Crohn’s
For our Awareness Campaign, Lowell sat down with Mike McCready, lead guitarist of Pearl Jam, about life with IBD. He shares openly and honestly about his Crohn’s disease, including what happened to him when he was about to open for The Rolling Stones. Mike reflects on how awareness and support for IBD have evolved over the years, from a time when no one talked about IBD, to now, when there’s a growing community and support.
Alison McGauley: Discussing Chronic Illness with Children
Lowell met with author Alison McGauley to discuss her new children’s book, Kenzie’s Little Tree. Inspired by Alison's experience with IBD and motherhood, this story offers a framework for discussing chronic illness with children, showing that, despite the challenges, love and resilience will always bloom—just like Kenzie’s tree.
Drs. Ajit Sood & Ritu Sudhakar: Diet, Culture, and IBD Management
We partnered with Nikhil Jayswal, the founder of IBD India, to interview Dr. Ajit Sood and Dr. Ritu Sudhakar about diet and IBD. Emphasizing that there is no universal "IBD diet," the conversation advocates for a personalized approach that maintains quality of life and family inclusion.
Adam Finkelstein: Growing Up with IBD
Lowell spoke with Adam Finkelstein, medical student, LDC member, and author of Up and Adam: A Patient’s Experience on Winning with IBD. Adam shares his experience living with IBD from a young age and the inspiration behind his book.