Baltimore Community Leaders Unite to Fuel Research and Hope at Maryland Night of Champions
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's DC/Maryland/Virginia Chapter will host the 2026 Maryland Night of Champions on October 8 at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. The event will honor Dr. Tony Guerrerio as the 2026 Medical Champion and LT Marie "May" Oberlin with the Chloe Hannah Leadership Award. The evening aims to raise $150,000 to support groundbreaking research, patient programs, education, and advocacy for the 1 in 100 Americans living with inflammatory bowel disease.
Baltimore, MD, August 27, 2026 --(PR.com)-- The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's DC/Maryland/Virginia Chapter will host the 2026 Maryland Night of Champions on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, bringing together community leaders, healthcare professionals, advocates, and supporters to advance the fight against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The evening will recognize two outstanding leaders whose contributions have made a significant impact on the IBD community. LT Marie "May" Oberlin will receive the Chloe Hannah Leadership Award, and Dr. Tony Guerrerio will be honored as the Foundation's 2026 Medical Champion.
2026 Medical Champion: Dr. Tony Guerrerio
Dr. Tony Guerrerio is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Director of the Johns Hopkins Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program.
After earning both his M.D. and Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Guerrerio completed his pediatric residency and fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology before joining the faculty in 2009. His research focuses on the mucosal immune system, genetic drivers of IBD, rare disease phenotypes, and the development of innovative therapies for children with complex and treatment-resistant inflammatory bowel disease.
A nationally recognized leader in pediatric gastroenterology, Dr. Guerrerio specializes in caring for children diagnosed with very early onset IBD, immune system disorders, and genetic conditions associated with inflammatory bowel disease. His work continues to expand opportunities for some of the most medically complex patients to benefit from cutting-edge research and specialized care.
Chloe Hannah Leadership Award Recipient: LT Marie "May" Oberlin
LT Marie "May" Oberlin, a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Security from Purdue University. She was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in May 2022 as a Cyber Warfare Engineer.
Following completion of the Division Officer Leadership Course and Information Warfare Basic Course, LT Oberlin served at the Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group, where she worked as a cyber capabilities tool developer and trainee exploitation analyst. She currently serves with Fleet Cyber Command, Cyber Mission Force Operations Hawaii, as TAURUS Team Lead and Operations Officer, while continuing to support mission operations as an exploitation analyst.
Beyond her operational accomplishments, LT Oberlin has played a key role in developing future cybersecurity talent. As recruiting lead for the Cyber Warfare Engineer Accessions Team, she created training opportunities for Naval ROTC midshipmen by coordinating cyber education initiatives across multiple ROTC units and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Outside of military service, LT Oberlin enjoys traveling, cooking, and staying active. She is currently pursuing a master's degree at the Georgia Institute of Technology and is passionate about building a motorsports community on Oahu centered around Formula One and other racing events.
Supporting Research, Education, and Patient Care
In addition to honoring these exceptional champions, Maryland Night of Champions will feature a premier dining experience, curated cocktail pairings, live and silent auction opportunities, and interactive fundraising activities.
Proceeds will support the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's mission to drive groundbreaking research, expand patient and caregiver resources, advance advocacy efforts, and improve the lives of those affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, approximately 1 in 100 Americans is living with IBD. Through investments in research, education, and patient support, the Foundation remains committed to finding cures while enhancing quality of life for those affected by these chronic diseases.
This year's event aims to raise $150,000 to accelerate research and expand vital support services for patients and families throughout Maryland and beyond.
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation invites businesses, community organizations, and individuals to support Maryland Night of Champions through sponsorships, attendance, auction donations, or charitable contributions.
About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to curing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases through research, education, support, and advocacy.
To learn more, register, donate an auction item, or become a sponsor, visit: https://onecau.se/nightofchampionsmd
The evening will recognize two outstanding leaders whose contributions have made a significant impact on the IBD community. LT Marie "May" Oberlin will receive the Chloe Hannah Leadership Award, and Dr. Tony Guerrerio will be honored as the Foundation's 2026 Medical Champion.
2026 Medical Champion: Dr. Tony Guerrerio
Dr. Tony Guerrerio is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Director of the Johns Hopkins Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program.
After earning both his M.D. and Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Guerrerio completed his pediatric residency and fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology before joining the faculty in 2009. His research focuses on the mucosal immune system, genetic drivers of IBD, rare disease phenotypes, and the development of innovative therapies for children with complex and treatment-resistant inflammatory bowel disease.
A nationally recognized leader in pediatric gastroenterology, Dr. Guerrerio specializes in caring for children diagnosed with very early onset IBD, immune system disorders, and genetic conditions associated with inflammatory bowel disease. His work continues to expand opportunities for some of the most medically complex patients to benefit from cutting-edge research and specialized care.
Chloe Hannah Leadership Award Recipient: LT Marie "May" Oberlin
LT Marie "May" Oberlin, a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Security from Purdue University. She was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in May 2022 as a Cyber Warfare Engineer.
Following completion of the Division Officer Leadership Course and Information Warfare Basic Course, LT Oberlin served at the Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group, where she worked as a cyber capabilities tool developer and trainee exploitation analyst. She currently serves with Fleet Cyber Command, Cyber Mission Force Operations Hawaii, as TAURUS Team Lead and Operations Officer, while continuing to support mission operations as an exploitation analyst.
Beyond her operational accomplishments, LT Oberlin has played a key role in developing future cybersecurity talent. As recruiting lead for the Cyber Warfare Engineer Accessions Team, she created training opportunities for Naval ROTC midshipmen by coordinating cyber education initiatives across multiple ROTC units and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Outside of military service, LT Oberlin enjoys traveling, cooking, and staying active. She is currently pursuing a master's degree at the Georgia Institute of Technology and is passionate about building a motorsports community on Oahu centered around Formula One and other racing events.
Supporting Research, Education, and Patient Care
In addition to honoring these exceptional champions, Maryland Night of Champions will feature a premier dining experience, curated cocktail pairings, live and silent auction opportunities, and interactive fundraising activities.
Proceeds will support the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's mission to drive groundbreaking research, expand patient and caregiver resources, advance advocacy efforts, and improve the lives of those affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, approximately 1 in 100 Americans is living with IBD. Through investments in research, education, and patient support, the Foundation remains committed to finding cures while enhancing quality of life for those affected by these chronic diseases.
This year's event aims to raise $150,000 to accelerate research and expand vital support services for patients and families throughout Maryland and beyond.
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation invites businesses, community organizations, and individuals to support Maryland Night of Champions through sponsorships, attendance, auction donations, or charitable contributions.
About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to curing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases through research, education, support, and advocacy.
To learn more, register, donate an auction item, or become a sponsor, visit: https://onecau.se/nightofchampionsmd
Contact
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Leigh Reynolds
816-654-4207
https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/chapters/dc
Shannon Grady sgrady@crohnscolitisfoundation.org
Leigh Reynolds
816-654-4207
https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/chapters/dc
Shannon Grady sgrady@crohnscolitisfoundation.org
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