| I wanted to let you know that Steve and I are currently training to run our first half-marathon with the CCFA’s (Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America) Team Challenge. We plan to run July 19 at the Napa to Sonoma Half-Marathon. This race is incredibly important to me. By raising funds and awareness for research we hope to get closer to finding a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
As most of you are aware I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in my early teens. The CCFA is a non-profit organization near and dear to my heart. Days after my diagnosis the CCFA gave me the information to start learning about the disease, its symptoms, its treatments, and ways to find support. I still remember sitting down reading through everything and instantly thinking “it’s NOT just me, there are others out there feeling what I’m feeling. My pain is REAL".
We all have experienced stomach issues at some point. Many are familiar with pains and symptoms associated with the stomach flu or food poisoning. These are the symptoms and pains Crohn’s disease patients face daily. I recently met a woman with Crohn’s disease who described the disease’s symptoms as like having “food poisoning every day, with the symptoms never going away”.
After 17 years of fighting, I ran out of medications that worked and the result was the removal of my large intestine. Unfortunately, this surgery does not ensure that I will not get sick again. Crohn’s can come back and appear anywhere along the digestive track. Luckily, I have been able to manage well after my surgery and feel much better. But, this possibility is something I do think about and hope that CCFA continues through their research to find more options for drugs and ultimately a cure! (Wouldn’t that be fantastic!)
Steve and I are running as a team with several close friends. My goal for our team, Team Ostomy Secrets, is to raise $25,000 for Team Challenge and the CCFA (as well as to finish the race!) Over 80% of every dollar we raise will directly fund the mission of CCFA, to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by inflammatory bowel diseases. Steve and I are contributing the 20% of the goal which does not directly go to the funding of the CCFA (the admin expenses) so you can be sure all your dollars will go to help find a cure!
I have made a commitment to run this half marathon and bring us 13.1 miles closer to providing hope, peace, and freedom to individuals battling IBD. I am hopeful you will join me in the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. You can help by visiting http://www.active.com/donate/napa09florida/slbecker and donating generously to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America . All donations are tax deductible. Please make all donations by June 1st , my personal fundraising deadline. Thank you for your generosity and support!
Lisa & Steve | 
