Chompian of the Month: Peter O'Neill

We're excited to feature Peter O'Neill as our June Chompian of the Month! Peter is a Media and Entertainment Consultant in Los Angeles, CA who has made an incredible impact on the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation through Take Steps, a fundraising campaign designed to raise funds to cure IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer-fueled organization dedicated to finding the cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by IBD.

Peter's efforts were notable through the Take Steps Leadership Committee in 2020 and 2021 – both very challenging years. He went above and beyond and fundraised thousands of dollars for the Foundation, has inspired countless friends of the Foundation, and has developed many relationships with companies to help fund cures for IBD. His goal is to help improve the life of IBD patients - making an impact on these individuals, raising awareness, and getting closer to finding a cure.

What’s your best tip on how to stay positive?

The best way to stay positive is to focus on all the blessings and opportunities we have. We should redirect our focus on the ability to do something rather than the stresses that may come along the way. When stress or negativity builds in my life, I find it helpful to think of the problem or stress as a challenge to overcome rather than something I have to deal with. As an IBD patient with a chronic illness, I notice that a positive attitude has a direct relationship with my overall well-being.

What’s your workout routine?

I definitely enjoy running as my main form of exercise. In a general week, I typically run 4-5 times. Lately, I will run to the gym for strength workouts, and then run back home. Additionally, I will also use my exercise bike to get in some miles on days I choose to not run. Most importantly, I stretch every day to improve flexibility and prevent injuries and choose to give my body at least one day per week to rest.

How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation!

I consider myself a game changer given my dedication to help improve the life of IBD patients. If I can make an impact on these individuals, raise awareness, and get closer to finding a cure, I believe I have changed the game.

What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)?

The best thing I do for my health every day is getting some form of workout in every day. This is how I best disconnect from work, my devices, and let my mind relax and wonder. I highly recommend finding out what is best for you as your form of personal health to give your body and brain time to just be in the moment.