This December I have decided to train with Team Challenge for a 1/2 marathon to help raise awareness and critical funds for research, patient support services and more importantly to FIND A CURE for IBD. There are 1.4 Million Americans that suffer from Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis; That means 1 in 7 people are affected by IBD! I know quite a bit about this disease and this was new to me and shocked me.

For those of you who don't know me well, my personal battle with Crohn's started in late 2007. I had become extremely ill and left school to move back home from attending the University of Texas at San Antonio. With my personal physician unable to diagnose my sickness, I was growing tired, and losing more and more weight by the month. Finally, in January of 2008, after losing 50 pounds in six months, I admitted myself to JPS in Fort Worth. After 3 grueling days in the E.R., I was finally admitted to the hospital and tests were ran to see what was ailing me. Well, just to put it shortly, a week later and after watching the superbowl with a NG tube in my throat, I was diagnosed with Crohn's. At first, this shocked me. I didn't know what to think. All that I had read about the disease is that it was chronic and I would have it for the rest of my life. The first year was pretty tough, learning how to cope and deal with the disease, but I was lucky to have family and friends. Earlier this year, I had surgery to remove an abcess caused by a flareup. After this procedure and a large combination of medications, I am finally feeling well for an extended period of time.

As I train for the next 15 weeks, (getting up every Saturday morning at 7 am) I am asking for your support in saving a life by helping me raise funds! You can be a part of the CHALLENGE for CHANGE with me, by DONATING. Every dollar that you donate is TAX DEDUCTIBLE and puts us a step closer to providing a better lifestyle for our patients and ultimately FINDING A CURE.

I am holding a fundraising dinner here in San Antonio at the Spaghetti Warehouse Restaurant located at 1222 E. Houston Street. Your night will include a 3 course dinner, drink and a magic show that will be performed by a talented local magician, Doug Gorman. This event will be held in the private room of Spaghetti Warehouse on Saturday, October 10th at 7pm. Tickets will be $35 for adults, and $10 for children, and all tickets that are purchased for it will be tax deductable. It is an all ages show, and is great for anyone of any age(magic is always cool, no matter how old you are). If you would like to come, please donate the money here on this webpage, that way you can get your receipt for tax purposes, and I will contact you to get the rest of the information from you. Thank you so much in advance for supporting me in my campaign to fight Crohn's!

You can also DONATE by making a donation using the Contribution Box on this page; a Tax Deductible Receipt will automatically pop up after you have made your donation. Your contribution counts and every dollar you donate makes a difference.