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| Jacqueline Giurato's Fundraising Page |
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| Quasi-Political Cartoon by Michael |
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I am taking the challenge!!
I have begun training for the ING Miami Half Marathon with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation - Team Challenge. Team Challenge is a new endurance program designed by the foundation to support participants' efforts to complete a half marathon while raising funds and awareness for a worthy cause. I have been training for the past month in preparation for the 13.1 mile walk on January 25, 2009.
My motivation for walking the half-marathon is personal. Seven years ago, at the age of eleven, my son Michael was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. Prior to his being diagnosed I had never even heard of Crohn's Disease, but I learned about it quickly.
Crohn's disease is a chronic (ongoing) disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointesinal tract. It can effect any part of the GI tact but most often effects the small intestines and colon. It occurs when a person's immune system attacks his/her own intestines. What triggers this abherrant immune response is unknown, and to date the disease is controllable, but incurable.
Ulcerative colitis affects mainly the colon.
Both diseases are characterised by ulcers, strictures, fistulas, bleeding, weight loss, and numerous complications.
I consider my son to be one of the lucky ones. Although he has had his share of flare-ups and uncomfortable symptoms, for the most part (with the support of excellent medical management) he has managed to muddle through adolescence relatively unscathed. He has been able to pursue his personal interests of art, music (drums), film making, bike riding and never ending "on-line" activities.
Thanks to the latest medical advances, Michael has been able to live a "normal" teen-age life. My goal is to raise $4,500 dollars for the development of more effective and less invasive diagnostic tools and treatments for Crohn's and colitis.
Please support me in my efforts by donating generously. All donations to the CCFA are tax deductable. Thank you so much for supporting this cause that means so much to me.
With love,
Jackie |
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Sorry.
Fundraising has ended.
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Total Donations: $220.00
Goal: $4,500
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