Finished the half marathon! The Vegas Marathon is an awesome course...most if it took place right down Las Vegas Blvd. I don't know my time yet, but I know it was right around 2 hours. I am so humbled by this whole experience, and everyone's support. Thank you so much!
Stephanie and I combined our efforts in fundraising to raise even more money! We hope to me more effective by combining our efforts and raising our goal to provide more relief and a cure for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.
I can't tell you how much it means to me to have you even get to my page! I have been planning on taking on this challange a little over a month now, and after the last informational meeting and the most inspirational story from a young woman about my age and her struggle with ulcerative colitis, I knew that I had to commit to this fundraiser to raise money for a cure. If you don't know about this organization, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, please take a second to research it. They are an excellent organization that has nearly 80 cents per dollar going directly to research and aid.
I've joined Team Challenge and I need your help! I will complete the 13.1-mile Las Vegas Rock N Roll Half Marathon on December 5, 2010, to raise funds and awareness for research leading to improved treatment options and a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Crohn's disease is a chronic (ongoing) disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although it can involve any area of the GI tract, it most commonly affects the small intestine and/or colon. Ulcerative colitis on the other hand, affects only the colon. There are no areas of normal intestine between the areas of diseased intestine. In contrast, such so-called "skip" areas may occur in Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis affects only the innermost lining of the colon, whereas Crohn's disease can affect the entire thickness of the bowel wall.
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 youngsters under the age of 18. On average, people are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in their mid-30s, although the disease can occur at any age.
Together, we can make a difference! As a member of Team Challenge, I have a coach, a training program, and teammates to support me. I have committed to a training schedule with additional trainings with my team on the weekends, and I’ve promised to raise $4,000 in donations to The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. I AM MOTIVATED! I AM COMMITTED!! I WILL DO IT!!! (Watch your mail for my event updates)
By now I hope you agree with me about the importance of this cause. Please help support me by giving generously. And remember, any amount will help me reach my goal and help to find a cure for these diseases.
Thank you!
Steven DeCraene
P.S. If you donate $100.00 or more I will dedicate a mile to you in Vegas! You could also donate based on how many miles I will be running; for example 5, 10, 15, 20 dollars per mile, etc. |
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