Since Jonathan “Jono” Moitoza was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of ten, he has spent the last eight years in and out of hospitals trying to get healthy. A monthly trip to Boston would sound fun to most people, but not if it’s to sit in a doctor’s office for the day. That is what Jono, a senior at Falmouth High School, must do to battle Crohn’s. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disorder that affects the digestive tract which “can be both painful and debilitating.” For Jono, it comes with both physical and emotional side effects. 

Jono says he misses when he had the freedom to do whatever he wanted. “It still hasn’t become normal for me; people said that I would just get used to it, but I don’t think I ever will.” 

He has grown up watching his every step, including what he eats. “I have to be careful; one seed and everything can go wrong,” he says. 

Despite the daily obstacles Jono faces, he still finds ways to live his best life whether it’s hanging out with friends or making music. In fact, for the past 4 years, Jono has been teaching himself how to produce music. ¨My most played song just hit 60,000 plays, which is insane to me.¨ 

Jono says he used to be an awkward person until he started sharing his music talent with the world. “Music has made me open my eyes to a whole new side of life, and it has given me confidence to go out and do whatever I want again.¨ 

Everything came full circle for Jono when he was approached by a young kid who had the same musical aspirations. “My friend and I heard her talking about making music. My friend went and told her that I was a producer. I’ve never seen a stranger’s eyes light up like that,” he explains. 

Jono has never seen himself as a role model, but now he’s realizing how he can help. “When I got diagnosed, I never had anyone to really look up to and relate to, but now I’m realizing that I can be that person for younger kids that have Crohn’s. I can show them that they can still do whatever they want.¨