LAST MINUTE PLEA

I know you just donated. I know many friends have just fundraised themselves. I know you know many people raising money for various charities. I am not asking for much. Just $10 or even $25 will take me one step closer to my goal of raising $2520 by December 4. I am committed to do this again - whatever it takes - to find a cure.

We will kick Crohn's and Colitis in the Ostomy bag. Pinky swear.

I've already surpassed my goals thanks to Team Challenge and it's time to do it all over again. I am doing the 13.1-mile Las Vegas Rock N Roll Half Marathon on December 4, 2011 to continue searching for a cure for diseases that have plagued my family and friends for too long.

Why are you doing this? Didn't you *just* do Vegas?

1) I was plagued by injury after injury in 2010. As a result, I was unable to run the Las Vegas Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon. I went and cheered my team on, but I have a bet to settle with the strip. It's a bet I plan on winning.

2) As you may know, my family has been affected by both of these diseases. My late grandma, Irene, suffered from colitis for more than two decades. In fact, on the day I was born, my grandma was in the hospital - three states away - recovering from having her entire colon removed. I was her first grandchild and she didn't get to see me for a few weeks because of colitis. My godmother, Janice, has battled colitis for as long as I can remember. My uncle, Will, has suffered for years from both Crohn's and Colitis. When I was training for the Wine Country Half Marathon, Will sent me the following e-mail:

The diseases can certainly become debilitating. In my case my condition didn't respond very well, sometimes if at all, to the usual medication therapies. In my case an ileostomy became the only option and I greatly benefited from that surgery in early 2002, and then a related surgery to fix a related hernia a few years later. I can easily deal with the slight change of lifestyle in exchange for almost no symptoms and the freedom to not have to have a restroom always within sight. I often think back to Mom (Grandma Irene) who went for many years with severe symptoms before having the ileostomy surgery. Her involvement in things and activities was so restricted, and after surgery she was free to be much more active.

I run with the hope that some day, the diseases that have affected my family will be eradicated. I run for them. I run for a cure. Thank you all for your love, encouragement and support. I couldn't have done this without you. Let's leave the craps in Vegas!

About the CCFA

More than 80 cents per dollar raised by CCFA goes directly to research and patient support, and your contribution is tax deductible. If your company matches charitable contributions, please include matching forms with your donation. Of course, your prayers, good wishes and positive vibes to sustain me in my training and your praise as I cross the finish line will also be graciously accepted. The CCFA received one of only six "A" ratings from the American Institute of Philanthropy, consistently meets the standards established by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. Learn more about Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis!

Remember - any contribution you make is tax deductible. Once you make a donation through my website, you will automatically receive a confirmation email with tax deduction information.

Make checks payable to CCFA and mail them to: Amy Kant, 2177 S. 85th Street, West Allis, WI 53227.