The Thriving Tree
Alina Suarez
Founder
Alina Suarez (17) is one of the founders of The Thriving Tree. She attends Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart and is passionate about technology and innovation. In 2012 she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a chronic auto-immune disorder. With the help of her mom, she has been avoiding strong medications and has been taking a more natural approach when it comes to treating her disease. She is currently on a strict diet, which excludes carbohydrates and sugars, making meals a bit more challenging. Now, she is managing her UC very well and is helping others who suffer from both Crohn's and colitis. She considers herself lucky to have found a "healthy way out" and hopes for to help those struggling with auto-immune disorders discover less harmful treatments. She is eager to help people lead healthier lives.
Mariana Suarez
Founder
Mariana Suarez (19) is one of the founders of The Thriving Tree. She currently attends the University of Notre Dame and is passionate about healthcare and data science. Her interest in medicine was sparked by her four medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic through the Medical Students in Action organization. Watching her little sister suffer through her strict diet and procedures to treat her chronic ulcerative colitis led her to appreciate the medical field even more. Throughout high school, she volunteered at Baptist Hospital and scrubbed in on open heart surgeries to get an even closer look. Now in college, she is part of multiple global health efforts in hopes that others hear her voice and join this important cause.