As some of you may know, I was diagnosed in March with what doctors believe to be the early stages of Crohn's disease. The initial upper and lower scopes found lesions and a lot of inflammation in my stomach as well as cellular changes in the colon. In the last ten months I've been to three different Gastroenterologist (GI) and on six different medications. I have recently found a great GI who, thankfully took me off all meds. I started on a probiotic and began to feel better. I recently had an upper scope that came back clear -- no more lesions and very little inflammation. Yay!!
I have a great friend, Jared that also has Crohn's. He has been living with the disease for the last five years and just recently had to have major surgery involving his intestine. Because of this I have chosen to compete in the 1/2 marathon in his honor.
It was through my friendship with Jared and my own Crohn's diagnosis that I became involved with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). I participated in the Take Steps walk in the spring and look forward to Team Challenge in December.
So you maybe wondering...
What is Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis?
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, unpredictable diseases that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery. These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.
If I donate to your run, where does the money go?
The funds I raise through Crohn’s & Colitis Team Challenge directly benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and support its mission to find cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, and more than 83 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org).
This is such a great cause and more and more people are being affected by these and other autoimmune diseases. Please help my cause by donating what you can. Any amount can make a difference for someone suffering from Crohn's and Colitis.
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Good luck on your training. It is very rewarding crossing the finish line after all the time, effort and sweat that you put into training. Some days are easier then others when training but stick to your schedule and you can accomplish your goal.I was training for my 3rd marathon when I had to stop due to finally being diagnosed with severe Crohn's disease.
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