I completed the 13.1 mile Kona, Hawaii, Half Marathon on June 28, 2009, to raise funds and awareness for research leading to improved treatment options and a cure for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). I beat my goal of under 2 hours at 1:55:37!!

Check out the BBB CCFA page to see where your money goes.

This year I am a mentor and am helping participants new to the program. It should be an even better year, raising more money and spreading awareness of these diseases! I'll be running along side others who have one of these diseases and I'd like nothing more than to see a cure so they can have their lives back.

What Are These Diseases?

As you probably already know, I had UC. "Had" UC - so there's a cure? Technically yes for UC and it involves removing the whole large intestine. Can't have a disease if the target of the disease is not there! What are these diseases anyway? Crohn’s disease and UC are collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Crohn's disease is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although it can involve any area of the GI tract, it most commonly affects the small intestine and/or colon. UC on the other hand, affects only the colon (hence why surgery was even an option for me - not so for Crohn's patients).

It is estimated that as many as 1.4 million Americans have IBD; however, many more suffer in silence due to potential embarrassment and alienation. Crohn's disease may occur in people of all ages, but it is primarily a disease of adolescents and young adults, affecting mainly those between 15 and 35. However, Crohn's disease can also occur in people who are 70 or older and in young children as well. In fact, 10 percent of those affected -- or an estimated 100,000 -- are kids under the age of 18. On average, people are diagnosed with UC in their mid-30s, although the disease can occur at any age.

Your Help is Needed

Together we can make a difference! I’ve promised to raise oodles of money for CCFA and I need your help! By now I hope you agree with me about the importance of this cause. Please help support me by giving generously. A minimum of 82 cents per dollar raised by CCFA goes directly to research and patient support, and your contribution is tax deductible.