Grady Stewart has been struggling with Crohn’s disease for two years now, but even that doesn’t stop him from doing what he loves juggling and unicycling.
Stewart first learned to unicycle and juggle at the International School of Louisiana in New Orleans through a program called KID smART. KID smART seeks to bring art into schools. When Stewart originally got involved, he found a circus arts class, which is where he first learned to juggle and unicycle.
Stewart showcased his skills in parades, where he would unicycle for eight miles. He also participated in Jazz Fest and Voodoo Music + Arts Experience where he continues to help kids prepare behind the scenes, and helps out with juggling workshops.
Two years ago, Stewart was diagnosed with Crohn’s, a chronic inflammatory intestinal disease.
“I’ve never been one to sit around,” Stewart said.
Stewart began fundraising through the Take Steps program.
“I met a lot of people from the local community and I just became more involved with it because I got to see all these other people’s stories,” Stewart said. “It’s very comforting to know you’re not alone and that you can benefit the local community.”
Stewart started getting more involved with other fundraising projects through his service-learning English 2000 class. He is now on the national board for college students for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. On the board, he has traveled to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Chicago to lobby for healthcare.
“I raised just over $1,500 and I was like ‘wow, I can actually raise money because no one thinks they can raise $1,000 before they do it’,” Stewart said.
Stewart’s next goal is to run the New Orleans Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon in March. He also invented a stacking challenge to raise money for research. This social media challenge is to stack as many rolls of toilet paper on one’s head without it falling off and make a $10 donation to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Participants are then supposed to challenge two friends to do the same.
“We do fundraising for research for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis , because right now they are incurable diseases, there’s treatments for them, but no cures,” said local walk manager for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation Betty Mujica. “The main thing the foundation does is fund research and provide patient resources for support.”
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation is hosting a 5K Oct. 28 in Mandeville. There is also a free education event Sept. 30 in New Orleans. Contact Betty Mujica at [email protected] for more information.
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story said Stewart was diagnosed with Crohn’s and colitis. Stewart was only diagnosed with Crohn’s. The Daily Reveille regrets this error.
