| I am about to embark on a fantastic journey and I need your help! I will complete the 13.1 mile run at the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon on July 20th, 2008 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. Crohn’s disease is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal tract. 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 the diseases being difficult to diagnose and 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. 10 percent of those affected – or an estimated 100,000 are youngsters under the age of 18.
Together, we can make a difference! I have committed to training for the next 3 months, and I’ve promised to raise $5,000 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 post-marathon news update.)
By now I hope you agree with me about the importance of this cause. Please help support me by giving generously. A minimum of 80 cents per dollar raised by CCFA goes directly to research and patient support, and your contribution is tax deductible. Contributing money is a powerful way to be involved when you can’t give your time. If your company matches charitable contributions, please include matching forms with your donation. Of course, your good wishes, prayers, and positive vibes to sustain me in my training and your heaps of praise as I cross the finish line will also be graciously accepted.
I have to say that I am honored and moved by the people I am running in honor of for this race - Jillian Cherry, Sharon McKay and Erica Orloff. The have touched move and inspired me, each in their own way. My good friend Erica has a blog post about how her life has been shaped by Crohn's disease here. Another touching and disturbing story can be found here about a lovely young woman named Lindsay. This is a terrible disease and I am committed to doing my part to make a difference.
With most sincere thanks from myself and on behalf of those for whom I am running,
Brian |
