Ally

They may not know her by name, but sixteen-year-old Ally Bain is a hero to many people with Crohn's. She's proven that one voice really can make a difference-that is, if you're brave enough to share a story that most people would choose to forget.

There ought to be a law: Ally Bain fights for people with Crohn's

In 2004, Ally and her mother, Lisa, were out shopping at a retail store. Ally soon had a desperate need to use a restroom. Lisa asked the store manager if Ally could use the employee restroom, but Ally's mother's request was refused and Ally soiled herself in the store. Angered, Lisa promised her daughter that something would be done so that neither Ally nor anyone else with a medical condition would have to experience the humiliation and isolation Ally felt that day.

A few months later, Lisa and Ally met with Illinois State Representative Kathleen Ryg. Lisa and Ally shared their story and asked Representative Ryg for help. The wheels were immediately put in motion to form a law that required businesses to make employee-only restrooms available to people with inflammatory bowel disease and other medical conditions (such as pregnancy and incontinence). The Restroom Access Act - also known as Ally's Law - was signed by the Governor of Illinois and took effect in September, 2005. Way to go, Lisa and Ally!

More patient stories

Go to website Crohn's and Me for more videos of Ally and other Crohn's disease patient testimonials