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Becerra, Alexis <br /> From: Annika van der Hoek < <br /> Sent: Friday, November 14, 2025 5:48 PM <br /> To: eComment <br /> Subject: Advocacy for IBD <br /> Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links. <br /> Dear Santa Ana City Council, <br /> My name is Annika van der Hoek, and I live in Santa Ana. I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, a type <br /> of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), when I was 12 years old. <br /> I am the vice president of the Take Steps Youth Leadership Committee, a group of high school advocates that <br /> are committed to creating a difference in the IBD community. Through the Take Steps Youth Leadership <br /> Committee, I've worked to empower other young people with IBD to share their stories and advocate for <br /> themselves. As a committee, we aim to raise awareness, fund research, and build a stronger community for <br /> those living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. <br /> I would love the opportunity to attend a City Council meeting to share my personal experience and help raise <br /> awareness about IBD within our community. My goal is to help others understand the realities of living with <br /> this invisible illness and highlight ways Rancho Santa Margarita can support those affected. <br /> Thank you so much for your time and for considering this request. I truly appreciate the work you do for our <br /> city and would be honored to contribute to the conversation. <br /> Warm regards, <br /> Annika van der Hoek <br /> Take Steps Youth Leadership Committee <br /> <br /> i <br />