Kevin Lee

My path with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) started with my father’s distressing stories about his hospitalization and his diagnosis odyssey with Crohn’s Disease, in which I could only sympathize. In high school, my brother suddenly fell ill and was trapped in his bed. I could only spectate and attempt to reassure him with words, as he was unable to attend classes regularly, play tennis outside, or participate in the activities he used to enjoy. My frustration for his well-being increased as he experimented with multiple medications and experienced allergic reactions, leading me to believe his experience as trial-and-error instead of personalized. These encounters with IBD influenced me to research personalized medicine policy in high school, which transformed my interest into a passion for advocating and helping the rare and chronic disease community since.

I advocate because no one should be left behind due to their condition. Science and policy must intersect for evidence-based change. Science-driven advocacy can expand access to life-changing treatments and improve patients’ lives. Advocacy affirms that information and care reach those who need it most, empowers communities, incorporates the lived experience of patients and caregivers, and causes meaningful change.