"You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose." -Dr. Seuss

I've joined Team Challenge and I need your help! I will complete the 13.1-mile Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon on July 15, 2012, 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.

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 $3,900 in donations to The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. This is the first event like this I've ever participated in and your support means more than you'll ever know. I'm excited for the challenge of 13.1 miles and even more excited to be helping raise money for such an amazing cause. 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.