Maddie has hope from WIMR research

“The more people donate and contribute to support this work, the more it gives people like me—and others living with this condition—hope.”

At just 14 years old, Madeleine is navigating life with ulcerative colitis, a chronic condition that affects her daily life in ways many of her peers never have to think about.

Diagnosed at age 11, Maddie has faced challenges that have made her stronger, more resilient, and deeply appreciative of the people working to understand and treat her condition.

“There are so many obstacles to overcome just to live life as normally as possible,” Maddie says. “Even things that other 14-year-olds take for granted can be really difficult for me. But I try to focus on the positives—like being part of something bigger, like today, sharing my story.”

Maddie and her family find comfort in knowing that researchers at The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) are dedicated to uncovering better treatments—and one day, maybe even a cure—for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Led by Professor Andrew Harman and Dr. Kirstie Bertram, the research at WIMR is focused on understanding how the immune system contributes to these conditions and why some people develop severe, lifelong symptoms.

Professor Harman’s team has discovered that a key immune cell is missing in people with Crohn’s disease, which may play a major role in how the disease develops. Their work is now focused on understanding whether this missing cell can be restored, either through new medications or by identifying signals that help it function properly. Thanks to a $1.5 million research grant, WIMR scientists are now studying younger patients with more severe disease, like Maddie, and comparing them to older patients with milder symptoms to understand why some cases are more aggressive.

“It’s so comforting to know that we’re not alone and that there are scientists and researchers dedicated to making a difference.”

For Maddie’s father, this research provides hope

“Right now, there’s no prevention for ulcerative colitis—it’s all about treatment,” he says. “Knowing that there are teams like the one at WIMR working towards prevention and better treatments gives us confidence. That’s the end goal.”

While Maddie’s condition isn’t cured, she finds hope in the science happening at WIMR. “It’s comforting to know that we’re not alone and that researchers are working so hard to help people like me,” she says. “It makes us feel valued, understood, and reassured knowing there are people out there who truly care and want to help.”

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