UPDATE (8-4-08) The run went great. I finished in 1:59:285. About 15 minutes better then I expected. The course was beatiful and made the run enjoyable. If you are still interested in donating please do so now. Contributions will be excepted up to August 20th and I'm still just shy of my promised amount. Thank you for all the support.

UPDATE (7-7-08) I have been training for this event since March and I'm not worried about finishing the race but I am very concerned about my fundraising. My goal is set to $5000 but I'm on the hook for $3500. When I signed up for this, I promised to raise at least $3500 and I'm about $1000 short of that promise. Please help me fulfill my promise to CCFA. Every little little bit counts.

I am just one of millions of Americans living with Crohn's disease. There is, currently, no cure for Crohn's. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is on a mission to cure and prevent this disease. CCFA is an organization with an impressive track record of funding cutting-edge studies at major medical institutions and financing underdeveloped areas of research.

This particular run means more to me then just finding a cure. It's an opportunity for me to get back into shape after a long flare up that lasted two years. Over those two years I tried numerous medications and fought to keep my weight up. Five months ago I weighed 132lbs and I was ready to have surgery a second time. Luckily I decided to try one more drug before surgery, even though it meant staying attached to an IV bag for 3 months to get my nutrition. The drug seems to be working for now, but I’m worried that I could have another flare up at anytime. Lots of people I talked to that have tried this drug either had bad immediate reaction to it or it only kept them in remission for about 9 months. I'm currently able to eat enough food to keep my weight up and I feel better than I have in a long time so I’m taking advantage of this period of good health by running to raise money.

Trying lots of different drugs and contemplating when the right time is for surgery is the norm for people living with Crohn’s. Please support me and CCFA by giving generously! It's easy; you can make a donation online. A minimum of 80¢ per dollar donated to CCFA goes directly to research and patient support, and your contribution is tax deductible. The Team Challenge-Crohn's and Colitis program is training me to run a half marathon while helping the Foundation raise funds to find a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Our team will be completing the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon on July 20, 2008 where we will be greeted with 13.1 miles of picturesque scenery, warm wind through the grape fields and one of the BEST half marathon finishes in the country!