Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which involves ongoing (chronic) inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn’s-related inflammation usually affects the intestines, but may occur anywhere from the mouth to the end of the rectum. A good friend of mine suffers from this and appearantly so does the brother of another friend. Which is why she sent this to me…
Hey there!
You won?t believe it! I am running a half marathon. That is 13.1 miles. Nope you heard me right, a half marathon.Now, I have run 5 miles before, so 13.1 should be a piece of cake?.I mean, how hard can it be, right?
I usually prefer not to run unless someone is chasing me so what on earth am I thinking?
I am running for the Crohn?s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). As all of you know, my brother is my favorite person on the planet and my bro David has suffered with Crohn?s Disease for 11 years. In 2005 he endured a 6 hour surgery. His infection was so severe that his intestine had fused to his bladder, and part of his intestine had to be removed. When I asked him what it feels like to live with Crohn?s Disease, he said, imagine feeling like someone is stabbing you in the stomach all the time. I just can?t imagine living with that chronic pain.
But David knows how lucky he is. One of the honorees on our team is 7 years old and has developed Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis from the medication required to treat Crohn?s Disease.
I truly believe with all of my heart that we can wipe out this disease, we just need more research. Because I am not a scientist, I will run. I will run like the wind and I will run until the finish line. I will train hard, I will give up beer. My feet may hurt, my knees may swell, and I may cry a little but I will keep running. I will keep running for my brother and for all those that suffer from this disease.
Here is where you come in. My goal is to raise $3,000 for Crohns and Colitis research, and with your help, I know I can do this. I am aware that these are tough times, and money is tight for all of us. If you cannot donate, please pass this email on to anyone you can. If your company matches donations, please ask. Perhaps you or they, know someone that suffers from Crohn?s or Colitis. Help me raise money to fund research for better treatment and wipe out this disease.
Please visit my website: http://www.active.com/donate/lv09sandiego/kickcrohnsbutt and make a donation. Keep checking back on my website throughout 2009 to see my fundraising and training progress. Also, keep your eyes peeled for emails about fundraising events I am planning.
Thanks so much and see you at the finish line!
Tania
I hope you can help as there is no cure for Crohn’s disease. The condition is marked by periods of improvement followed by flare-ups of symptoms and the flare ups are pretty debilitating.
