How my story began...
My junior year of high school, I got sick -- and eventually was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. In case you don’t know, Crohn’s Disease is inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal tract. It can make people very sick and can be pretty painful.
I battled the ups and downs of the disease with the support of friends and family and great doctors at Mayo Clinic. To be really blunt with you – it was miserable. So – during Spring Break of my freshman year of college, I had surgery to remove part of my intestine. 34cm, many months, a few complications, and one additional surgery later – I was finally on my way to recovery. By my junior year of college – I actually felt like a “normal” college girl. I could tell you how great things are, how healthy I feel, and that I am living happily ever after – but that’s not the whole story...
The not so distant past…
Fast forward to Fall 2007 – past graduation, moving to Minnesota, and my first “real” job. It was then that I received a brochure from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) for “Team Challenge”. I decided to check out the half marathon training and fundraising program at an informational meeting – and I was hooked.
I chose to join the program, fundraise for the CCFA, and run the half marathon. I can honestly say it was by far one of the best decisions I made last year! Every week a group of us trained together and in doing this – I met some absolutely amazing people. I ran all 13.1 miles of the race – and loved every minute of it. More importantly, with the help of friends and family – I raised over $3800!!!
Today-UPDATED May 2009!
I returned to Mayo this past April for my 5 year checkup, and received the greatest news! After choking down some nasty drinks and going through the “normal” tests -- My doctor told me that I was ”one of the lucky ones" and that my Crohn's had NOT returned.(It comes back for up to 70% of people who have this surgery.) As I celebrate this 5 year anniversary --I’m thrilled! And thrilled might even be an understatement.....Regardless - being able to say I don't have Crohn's is a pretty great feeling!
I know my story probably wouldn’t have turned out the same had it not been for the support of all of you, and great care at Mayo Clinic. The doctors and the knowledge they gained from research about Crohn’s really changed my life.
Though I'm better -- I know that because there is no cure for Crohn's disease; there is always a possibility of it coming back. I also know that there are many people who don't have such a great story to share with their friends and family -- and that they still need help. And here we are today. I’ve decided to continue the fight against Crohn’s Disease. That’s why I am working again this year to raise awareness and funds for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). I have signed up for a second half marathon on June 29th, and am working very hard to try to raise $3800 by that date. My goal is to surpass my fundraising total of last year.
I am so excited to be involved in this program, and hope that you will consider donating to this organization. I haven’t told you much about Crohn’s, (you can always learn more at ccfa.org) but here are a few facts that I’d like to pass along:
- More than 80 cents of every dollar goes directly toward research, education, and support services.
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system.
- Approximately 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Most people develop these diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.
Thanks again for checking out my story – I appreciate your support!
~Andrea |
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Sorry.
Fundraising has ended.
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Total Donations: $3,827.00
Goal: $4,000
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