Boys Town Hospital Steps Up for Crohn’s and Colitis Families

Friday, July 11, 2025

For Boys Town National Research Hospital, going the distance for patients and families sometimes involves sneakers. On Saturday, June 21st, the Boys Town Pediatric Gastroenterology team took part in the Take Steps Walk at Werner Park in Papillion. This annual event, organized by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, brings together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and supporters to raise awareness and funds for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

This year, the event’s honored patient was Boys Town’s own Kenley Sims. Sims shared her journey of managing IBD (and the impact of Boys Town Nurse practitioner Rosemary Pauley) in an article for the Foundation. She wrote: “My biggest supporters have always been my family and doctors, especially NP Rosemary Pauley. She has been the most helpful in this long process and with keeping me healthy.”

In addition to the patient feature, the pediatric gastroenterology team was recognized for placing 6th in the fundraising challenge. Through the efforts of popcorn sales, a prize basket giveaway and donations, physicians, staff and patients pulled together to raise an impressive $2,773 for the event.

Emceed by local celebrity and passionate Crohn’s and colitis disease advocate Rob McCartney of KETV, the Take Steps Walk continues to be the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s largest and most impactful fundraising event. It reminds everyone that no one has to face IBD alone. Boys Town is proud to have such a strong presence at the event, highlighting the GI team’s commitment to patients and families in the IBD community.

Check out the photo gallery below for highlights of the Take Steps Walk.