events

Lori Radke
President & CEO, Crohn's and Colitis Canada

Lori joined Crohn’s and Colitis Canada as President & CEO in May 2021. Lori’s background includes twenty-five years of progressive leadership experience in business development, marketing, and partnership activation across the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Most recently at Wilfrid Laurier University where she led the campus-wide development strategy and in executive roles at the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Lori served as the National Vice President of Development and Marketing at the MS Society of Canada, after joining the organization in 2014. She was also the Executive Director of the MS Scientific Research Foundation, where she worked closely with the foundation chair, board members, and others to lead cultivation and solicitation of the current $75 million Acts of Greatness campaign. In addition to her work at the MS Society of Canada, Lori’s career involves leadership roles in corporate strategy, corporate partnerships, marketing and events at organizations such as Baycrest Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, and IMG Canada.

Neetisha Lala
Associate Director, Global Capital Markets AML

Neetisha has been living with Crohn’s Disease since her diagnosis at the age of 18. Over the years, she’s experienced many complications associated with living with an invisible illness, and in 2018, Neetisha was able to get her severely active disease under control with the help of medical intervention. In an effort to use her experiences to provide support in the community and help generate awareness, Neetisha reached out to Crohn’s and Colitis for volunteer opportunities in 2018. Along her journey, she has volunteered and participated in several Gutsy Walks, giving her a sense of community when she needed it most. She has since been a Gutsy Peer Support Mentor providing support to others who have been recently diagnosed with IBD, helping them navigate the ups and downs of living with an autoimmune condition. Neetisha hopes her volunteer efforts will help those in the IBD community feel seen, supported and understood.

David Harrison 
Former Halifax Chapter President, Gutsy Walk 

David Harrison has been volunteering with Crohn's and Colitis Canada since being diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2006. He has been an active member of the Halifax Chapter taking on many roles over the years including Chapter President, Gutsy Walk Chair, and acting as spokesperson for the chapter with media. For his volunteer efforts and dedication to his community David was awarded the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada Unsung Hero Award in 2017 and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023. Outside of volunteering David works for the Nova Scotia Securities Commission as their Investor Education and Communications Officer. He has considerable experience working in the communications field, and previously worked as a writer and journalist. He has a Bachelor of Journalism with Honours from the University of King's College, and a Advanced Diploma in Public Relations from NSCC.  He enjoys reading, writing, brewing, fantasy sports and spending time with his family, friends and chocolate lab Sandy.

Jennifer Loschiavo
Montérégie Gutsy Walk Chair

Jennifer volunteers with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada in order to bring visibility to invisible diseases. This is the main story she focuses on when she speaks about her Crohn’s disease. Jennifer likes speaking about her Crohn’s journey to create awareness about these diseases and let others know what patients are going through. Being around other people with the same struggles lets Jennifer know she isn’t alone. It also allows her to share her personal story with people that understand the challenges of living with IBD. Jennifer has been part of the Gutsy Walk committee, volunteering with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada for seven years, and this is her second year as Chair. She also participates in the Gutsy Peer Support network and other Crohn’s and Colitis Canada organized events when she can. Jennifer loves listening to other patients’ stories and providing support through her own lived experiences.

Breanne Sich
Founder: Crohns Colitis Collective & Gutsy Walk Co-Chair

Breanne Sich is passionate about raising funds and awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. She lives with Crohn’s disease and IBD also impacts several of her family members. Breanne encourages the community in Calgary and beyond to reach out and get gutsy to feel less isolated. She does this by partnering with local fitness studios and businesses like breweries to host fun events. She also volunteers at Gutsy Walk. This year, she is co-chairing the walk in Calgary and in 2021 she was the Local Honorary Chair in Calgary. Through Gutsy Walk and organizing events, Breanne has raised $20,000+ for Crohn’s and Colitis to date! Breanne also supports Crohn’s and Colitis through her apparel and accessory social enterprise crohnscollective.com.