The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Georgia Chapter, at its 35th Annual Torch Gala on February 7, will honor three individuals for their contributions, including Brookhaven resident Dr. Olga Sherrod.
Sherrod has been named as the Premier Pediatric Healthcare Professional of the Year for her dedication to children who are diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Sherrod, a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist at GI Care for Kids, grew up in the Dominican Republic, where she later attended medical school, graduating magna cum laude, according to a release by the organization.
Sherrod’s involvement with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation spans more than two decades.
“What I truly value about the foundation is its unique mission to educate,” Sherrod said. “The foundation provides invaluable resources – not only for physicians through national conferences but also for patients and families with support groups, summer camps, and an extensive educational website. These resources are essential for those caring for children with IBD.”
Sherrod told Rough Draft in a recent interview that she found out about the award from her husband, who asked her to meet him for what she thought was a coffee date.
“When I got there, he was holding a poster that said, ‘Will you be my prom date? You are an honoree,'” she said. “It was such a surprise when I found out.”
“It’s very humbling to be named for this honor, because there are so many other people who deserve it,” she said.
Treatment methods are a 180-degree pivot from the 1980s, when steroids were the go-to, imperfect solution.
“Steroids were a Band-Aid that brought more problems to the table,” she said. “It’s now a world of difference in the ways we treat patients today.”
Other honorees
Dr. Nitin Gupta will be honored as the Premier Adult Healthcare Professional of the Year for his dedication to Atlanta’s IBD community, specifically adults with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, according to the release.
“As a specialist in inflammatory bowel disease, he actively conducts scientific research focused on advancements in diagnostic testing and clinical trials with new drug therapies,” the announcement said. “When he is not treating patients, he spends time educating practitioners throughout the country on the various treatment nuances of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.”
“The main reason that I am involved with the Crohn & Colitis Foundation is the patient advocacy,” Gupta said. “I think one of the most important things the foundation does is advocate for patients through research and funding for people like me when I was a young investigator.”
The third honoree, Diane Benatar, has been named Citizen of the Year. Benatar first became involved with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation alongside her late husband, Morris, who battled the disease since he was a boy.
Related stories:
• Atlanta camps with a twist
• 2024 Torch Gala raises funds with three fraternity brothers at the helm
Morris ultimately lost his lifelong battle in 2016. Diane and Morris’ daughter, Leah Benatar Gordon was diagnosed with Crohn’s at the age of 17. Now, 20 years later, Leah is in remission.
“That’s why I am involved,” Diane said. “As a big Atlanta family, the Benatar family is so involved and willing to give in resources and time.”
Kim Brammer, regional executive director of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, said Gupta, Sherrod, and Benatar “all embody what it means to be true community champions. Their compassion, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those affected by IBD have made a profound impact across Georgia. We are honored to recognize them at the Torch Gala this February.”
Brammer said this year’s $850,000 goal to fund critical research and support programs has already reached the $600,000 mark.
Event details
The evening, to be held at Intercontinental Buckhead Atlanta, will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, seated dinner, and live auction, followed by live music and dancing.
The Torch Gala, according to the event website, has raised more than $11.1 million to find a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Tickets are still available for the event.
