My name is Vera. After A LOT of back and forth, I have finally decided to run 13.1 miles in the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in Las Vegas on December 5th this year. I have even talked my husband (Brett) into running the race with me, which is an amazing accomplishment by itself! Anything to go to Vegas, right? Our goal is to raise $20,000 by November 17th for Team Challenge and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). Neither of us have ever run a race nor raised such a huge amount of money, but we believe in this cause and this organization, and we want to prove to everyone fighting these diseases that you CAN do anything!

You may not know this, but I am one of the 1.4 million Americans that suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), specifically Ulcerative Colitis (UC). This destructive digestive disorder often stops us in our tracks and keeps us from living our lives the way we want to. These diseases are painful, with humiliating symptoms, and often the treatments seem worse than the disease. And at this time, there is NO CURE.

I was diagnosed nine years ago with moderate UC and it knocked me off my feet. My body was at war with itself every day and I could do little to stop it. With the help of my amazing husband, compassionate parents, friends, coworkers, and patient doctors I have been able to cope with this disease and live a pretty normal life compared to the many who are not so fortunate.

Thanks to the work funded by CCFA, largely through generous donations, vast strides have been made in treating (and hopefully one day curing) IBD. After surgery in January of this year and new medication therapy, I am in remission for the first time since my initial diagnosis. For the first time in a very long time, I feel healthy, strong, and in control. Though this isn’t a cure, and I will battle with this disease for the rest of my life, I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I know that without the hard work and dedication of the CCFA and its benevolent donors I would not be able to enjoy my life as I do now. Now it is my turn to give back! I am running for all of those that can't, but should be able to.

In addition to a lot more carbs (woo-hoo!), ice packs, some prayer, and really rocking tunes on our MP3s, we need your help to reach our goals. Every contribution helps and spreading the word about not only this race, but about the cause can really make a difference in the long run. Over 80% of your tax-deductible donation to the CCFA goes directly toward research, education, and support services. This website is secure, easy-to-use, and you will be emailed a receipt of your donation for this year's taxes.

We have some fun events planned, the first of which is our Pocket Aces No Limit Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament at the Windsor Gardens Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens on September 25th. Tickets are $80 per person and must be purchased in advance, cash or check preferred. Rockstar Catering is providing the complimentary dinner and a full bar is vailable. Top prizes include Miami Heat and Dolphins tickets, golf packages, and much much more- totaling over $5000 in prizes! Full tables available for purchase as well as individual seats. Unlimited buy-ins for the first two hours, ad-ins, 50/50 raffle, and sit'n'go play for players of all levels. Seats are limited so reserve today at BrettandVera@aol.com!

To commemorate your extreme generosity for donating on our website, www.BrettandVera.com, we would like to offer you one of our custom designed shirts for donations of $200 or greater. For donations of $1,000 or greater, it would be our honor to take you and a guest out to dinner with us the week before the race at a venue fitting your munificent donation. We might even get Brett to wear a tie!

Our fundraising deadline is November 17th, so please forward our website to as many people as possible, post it on Facebook, or just tell everyone you know about it. Dig deep and know that your donation is bringing us closer to a cure. We want this race to be not just about finishing with respectable time (though that would be awesome), but helping find a cure for IBD and improving the quality of life for everyone who suffers from these diseases. Everyone knows someone with Crohn's or UC, whether you know it or not.

We thank you in advance for your kindness and support. Please feel free to email us with any questions, flyer requests, event registration requests, or encouragements at BrettandVera@aol.com. With your help, we can all make a difference in curing this disease one mile at a time!