Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Walks Its Way to a Cure
Pace Setter Walk to Raise Funds and Awareness on Behalf of 50,000 Northern Californians With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
SAN FRANCISCO, March 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Northern California Chapter of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. (CCFA) announced today that it will host its annual 5K Pace Setter Walk on Saturday, May 8, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. in San Francisco, Palo Alto and Sacramento. Pledge donations from the Pace Setter Walk will be used to raise funds and awareness for the research, education, and advocacy work of CCFA on behalf of the 50,000 Northern Californians who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Board member and long-time supporter of the CCFA, Maria Tarrant is leading a family walk team in honor of her daughter, Rachel, who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at age 6. "As a board member of the CCFA and particularly as a parent of a child with Crohn's disease, I am thrilled at how successful our previous fundraising efforts have been. I take great pride in the fact that CCFA saw a 100% increase in total walk pledge donations last year. I can't wait to see what we can do this year," said Tarrant. "Since my daughter has Crohn's disease, I know all too well how debilitating this illness can be for the 1 million Americans who are diagnosed with IBD. My daughter has greatly benefited from the programs offered by CFFA such as the Gut Gang Camp for children who have IBD. I am so thankful for the generosity and support of all the individuals who have participated in the walk and contributed to this organization throughout the years."
Set Your Own Pace
The Pace Setter Walk will take place at three locations this year including Crissy Field in San Francisco, Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto, and Capital Park in Sacramento. Those interested can participate in the walk as event sponsors, team captains, individual walkers and contributors. CCFA will provide walk participants with refreshments, entertainment and prizes. More information and online registration is available at http://www.ccfa.org/chapters/northerncalifornia/.
"The Pace Setter Walk is a great way to make a difference in the lives of those who are affected with IBD, while participating in a fun and healthy activity with friends, family and colleagues," said Phillip Weichel, Executive Director, CCFA, Northern California Chapter. "I am pleased to see the event has continued to generate significant momentum year after year with a 200% increase in walker participation last year. I confident we will meet our elevated participation goals of 500 walkers, raising $70,000 this year on behalf of the Northern California Chapter."
Physical and Emotional Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are debilitating autoimmune illnesses. The cause of IBD is not yet known and a cure does not exist. Physical and emotional challenges remain a significant part of the daily lives of those affected by IBD.
Ulcerative colitis affects the colon, while Crohn's disease occurs in both the small intestine and colon. Symptoms range from mild to severe and include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Children with the disease may experience delayed growth.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are unpredictable illnesses. Some patients recover after a single attack, while others require frequent hospitalizations and surgery. Left untreated, symptoms may worsen and can cause complications such as abscesses, obstruction, malnutrition and anemia. Colon cancer may be a serious complication of long-term ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, even in a patient who is in remission.
About CCFA
The mission of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, which was founded in 1967, is to cure and prevent Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through research, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support. Of the one million Americans who suffer from IBD, approximately 100,000 are children under the age of 18. For more information, contact the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America at www.ccfa.org or 800-241-0758.