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Taking Strides For Pediatric Liver Disease
BARE (Biliary Atresia Research and Education) is proud to collaborate on Colleen’s BA 5K. As a national organization dedicated solely to Biliary Atresia, we are committed to funding research, supporting families, and advocating for improved outcomes for all those affected. Colleen’s story embodies the very reason we exist — and through this partnership, we continue the fight she never gave up on.
Thank You to our Sponsors for committing to take Strides For Pediatric Liver Disease
Starting Line Sponsor
Champion of Hope Sponsor
Mile Marker Sponsor
Starting Line Sponsor
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Finish Line Sponsor
Champion Of Hope Sponsors
Meet Colleen:
The inspiration for movement
Colleen was born on March 12, 1993. At four months old, she was diagnosed with biliary atresia (BA), the most serious liver disease of infancy and childhood - even in 2025. Colleen had a liver transplant at 7 months old, and at 22 months old, underwent 6 months of chemotherapy for Burkitts Lymphoma.From 3 years old through grade school at Grace Episcopal Day School in Kensington, Colleen had a stretch of good health, but throughout middle school and high school, she battled infections and other liver complications – enough to be put on the liver transplant list. Despite her health problems, Colleen enjoyed her high school years, which included playing field hockey and spending time with her brother and her friends.She graduated from Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, and in the fall of 2011, went to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.Colleen enjoyed her freshman year at Michigan, going to football games and participating in the Best Buddies program. She majored in Psychology and planned to become an occupational therapist working with children with physical and intellectual limitations.
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An Inspiration For All
Unfortunately her health declined during the fall of her sophomore year as she battled continual infections and multiple hospitalizations. After spending a month in intensive care awaiting another liver transplant, Colleen passed away on Monday, March 4, 2013 – a week shy of her 20th birthday. Colleen was determined not to let her illness define her. She was an inspiration to all who knew her as she courageously handled recurrent health issues due to chronic liver disease. Her medical records at Johns Hopkins over 19 years noted over 190 medical entries, including 15 operations and 41 hospital admissions.Many admired her strength and resilience, knowing all that she went through as an infant and toddler – the liver transplant, lymphoma, chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and hospitalizations. Some didn’t know her personally but were impacted by her story, chronicled through Red Cross blood drive posters. As a tribute to Colleen and to aid in the effort to discover the cause of biliary atresia, the liver disease she was born with, Colleen’s family has organized an annual charity event: Colleen’s BA 5K.
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October Events Around the U.S. that benefit Taking Strides for Pediatric Liver Disease
10/4 - Fundraiser at Babycat Brewery
10% of all proceeds benefit the Colleen Mitchel Memorial fund & Colleen's BA5k!
10/29 - Spirit Night at Waldo's Chicken & Beer - SE Denver, CO
Join us for a spooky & fun spirit night at Waldo's Chicken & Beer at 24153 East Prospect Ave, Aurora, CO 80016
20% of all sales between 4pm & 8pm will go to BARE INC NFP + gift certificate prizes for best costume!