As most of you know, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2005. It's been a long time since I've had the strength and the freedom to continue my education and go to work. None of the medications were able to get my situation under control and I had to make the tough decision to undergo serious surgery to have my colon removed before things could get much worse. I know have a temporary ileostomy while I heal and am feeling like a new person. I will have a second surgery in December to remove the ostomy. I have recently taken on a new challenge. I am privileged to be an Honored Teammate for Team Illinois, a wonderful group of people from all over Chicagoland who are training to complete the Miami ING half marathon on January 25th 2009. They are running this 13.1 mile race to raise $175,000 for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis are known together as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is estimated that 1.4 million Americans have IBD, however many more suffer in silence. It most often affects people between the ages of 15 and 40. I hope my effort makes a difference in fighting a disease that affects so many. Unfortunately, sometimes medications don't always work. Patients and doctors alike spend years trying to figure out what's wrong and how to improve it. Science hasn't gotten that far yet with these illnesses. You can help us change that! Please consider supporting the team in this half marathon. Whatever donation you can make is greatly appreciated. You may write a check payable to CCFA (mail to me), pay by cash or you can make a secure online credit card donation to my web page. Thanks so much for your support! Stephanie Lewis 10145 S. Komensky Ave. Oak Lawn, Il 60453 Also, you can follow my journey through surgery at my blog! http://www.stephlws.wordpress.com Check out our Gut Busters Improv Troupe Website to learn more about us and our goal to fight Crohn's and Colitis with laughter! http://gutbustersimprov.bravehost.com