I am running as part of Team Challenge in support of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) and because someone close to me has been greatly affected by Crohn’s. Over the next 4 months I will be training and raising funds in hope of finding a cure for these diseases from which over 1.4 million Americans suffer. Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis are known together as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. The funds raised through Team Challenge directly benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation in support of its mission to find a cure and improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. Help me help them! More than 80 cents of every dollar raised goes directly toward research, education, and support services.

All of my training and fundraising efforts will be in honor of my friend, Janelle Baliko. Janelle has lived with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis for over 26 years and over 20 years, respectively - the majority of her life. There is no known cause for either disease so medicinal cocktails are on the daily menu. However, when the disease progresses, surgery is typically necessary to remove the diseased portions of the small and/or large intestines in order for the patient to go back into remission. Janelle has had five surgeries for a total of 42 inches of her small intestine removed and 8 inches of her large intestine removed. Patients vary from very mild to moderately severe symptoms. Unfortunately, Janelle falls in the latter category with pain and fatigue playing a prominent role in her daily routine, but she takes each day as it comes and is thankful for the best team of GI docs in the DC area and for the endless support of family and friends.

I’ll take care of the running. I hope that you’ll take me the other half of the way to Las Vegas by making a donation to the CCFA . You can click the box at the bottom of the page and donate online or make a check out to the CCFA and ask me where to send it. Please help me in my effort to help those who suffer day to day and join in the fight against Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis! Thank you for your time!

Lisa