It's not often that we get to salute people who truly "get it" while they are young. Noah Weber is one of them. His story is a lesson in how to deal with adversity with the right attitude - another in a long list of A's he has earned, in and out of the classroom.
Several years ago, he was diagnosed with Crohn's, a disease that can be debilitating for anyone, let alone an 11 year old growing up with hopes and dreams like many of us did, back when the sky was our limit.
He loved playing sports and became a rabid fan. Then one day, as he was watching an Olympic swimming competition, he Googled the gold medal winner, and read that she had worked with her doctor and her coaches to help her train and prepare to compete at the highest level, despite her challenges with Crohn's.
Now a high school sophomore, Noah decided to tackle head-on what many others would have used as an excuse to hold them back, and he started to search for professional athletes who had been successful adjusting to Crohn's and fulfilling their dreams.
He read an article in USA Today about star NBA player Larry Nance, Jr., who has Crohn's, and then he had an idea - to bring together others like him who were working to adapt and succeed playing sports, despite their challenges. Noah reached out to Larry, and they developed a relationship.
And then he founded Athletes vs. Crohn’s & Colitis. Their mission is to raise awareness of Crohn’s and Colitis in the adolescent population, and help children get to know each other and realize their athletic potential. They offer networking events, scholarships, breaking news and research on Crohn's and Colitis, networking, and more.
Noah aced his life exam, and earned yet another A - this one for altitude- and for a kid like this, you just know he will keep elevating his game, and take it to newer heights!
For more information, visit the Athletes vs. Crohn's and Colitis web site, and share this with anyone you know who may be interested in getting involved, or with others who could just use a little inspiration!