Yes, it’s true - I am running in the Rock n Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon on Sunday, Dec 6, 2009! From now until November I will be training and raising funds for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) as a member of their Team Challenge. I am very excited about this opportunity because I never even considered myself athletic, much less a runner, and what better way to reach this milestone than for a good cause and in Las Vegas =)
Donations are tax deductible and directly benefit the Foundation. Please use my fundraising site to donate online quickly & securely. You will receive an email confirmation of your donation and I will be notified as soon as you make your donation.
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page and for your support in this journey.
What is Crohn's disease?
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine. It primarily causes ulcerations (breakages in the lining) of the small and large intestine, but can affect the entire digestive system, anywhere from the mouth to the anus.
Who is affected by Crohn's Disease?
It is estimated that 1.4 million Americans have IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) -- with that number evenly split between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Males and females appear to be affected equally. Crohn's disease may occur in people of all ages, but it is primarily a disease of adolescents and young adults, affecting mainly those between 15 and 35. However, Crohn's disease can also occur in people who are 70 or older and in young children as well. In fact, 10 percent of those affected -- or an estimated 100,000 -- are youngsters under the age of 18. The cause is still unknown.
About the Organization
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's (CCFA) mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of those affected by these diseases. Eighty-three cents of every dollar raised by CCFA goes directly toward research and patient support. That puts CCFA in the top 6 of charity organizations nationwide!
