First, let me start by saying thank you for visiting my fundraising page, and helping to provide support as I embark on this fantastic journey!

I am very excited to have teamed up Team Challenge which will help train me to run (Yes, I said RUN!) the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon in Napa Valley, California on July 19, 2009! They will be providing everything I need including professional coaching, a training program, financial support and teammates to help me cross the finish line. In return, I will raise funds for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), which hopefully will lead to improved treatment and a most importantly, a CURE! I’m taking the steps needed to help find a cure (13.1 miles worth of steps to be exact!) and I’m going to need the help of my wonderful friends and family!

Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are painful, unpredictable diseases that attack the digestive system. Collectively, they are known as inflammatory bowel diseases, and are chronic disorders. Upwards of 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from these incurable diseases, affecting mainly those ages 15 to 35. Symptoms can include frequent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, reduced appetite and or weight loss, ulcers, and pain in the abdomen. Other problems can arise outside of the digestive tract, such as fever, fatigue, arthritis, skin disorders, eye inflammation, and inflammation of the liver or bile ducts. These diseases are very consuming, miserable, embarrassing, and any other negative or nasty word you can think of. Worst of all, they can become life threatening.

I was inspired to join this great cause because as you may or may not know, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when I was in 8th grade. Since being diagnosed, I’ve gone through countless medications, doctor’s visits, procedures and surgeries (all while living daily with the unpleasant symptoms!). While I have had my fair share of ups and downs, I consider myself very lucky. For the most part, I’ve been able to lead a normal and healthy life. I know my disease could be worse and has the potential to become worse in the future. Every day is different and I never know how I’m going to feel, but I’m a true believer in that everything happens for a reason! I’ve vowed to never let this disease get the best of me and instead have decided to embrace it as a part of life! On top of myself having Crohn’s, recently my best friend and the person I aspire to be was diagnosed with IBD, my older sister Heather.

So, I promise to do all the running if YOU can help me reach my goal of $3,800 for the CCFA! For every dollar donated, 80 cents goes directly to research and patient support. While I know that times are tough (after all I am a broke college student!!) every dollar truly counts! **Keep in mind that all donations made are 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE** Your contribution can be made on this page or via check or cash to me. It’s my goal to get all of my funds raised ASAP so I can focus on my training! Please feel free to spread the word about Crohn’s and Colitis and share my page and story with your friends and family; and of course, anyone who wants to come watch and cheer me on as I sweat and battle through the 13.1 miles in Napa is welcome! (If not for me, at least come for the wine!) Again, with my deepest sincerity, thank you!

May 2009 continue to Bless you like it has me! :-)

-Hillary Feden

** Keep checking in for updates on my training and most importantly, upcoming fundraisers!**

**UPDATES!**

So I’ve been training for about two months now and the progress I have made is amazing! I’ve gone from barely being able to run 1 mile, to running 7.5 miles (without stopping I might add!!!!) this past Sunday! I am already so humbled by this experience and the generosity of all my family, friends and even strangers. So to all of you have contributed to this great cause, THANK YOU! :) Now that the weather is starting to get better, we are going to be having a few fundraisers to help collect the rest of my goal- $1,000. A garage sale for the end of May is in the works, so if you have any “junk” lying around your house, feel free to bring it over! We will also be having a car wash sometime in the near future, so look out for that! Again, thanks so much to everyone who has helped me out; now only 2 more months until race day!!!!!!

I can't believe it... only 6 days until we are in Napa Valley!! It seems like yesterday the fundraising and training had just began! Thanks to all of my amazing family and friends, I reached my goal of $3,800! Yay!! :) (Also, a big thanks to my Dad and Julissa... they stuck out a few of the long runs with me! Couldn't of done it without you two!) Last Thursday I completed my longest run yet, 11 miles. Recently, I’ve had a little set back thanks in part to patellar tendonitis (so my doctor calls it)! While those last 11 miles were painful and tough, it was nothing compared to what those living with Crohn’s and Colitis go through. So why I might not finish in the time I was hoping to now, don’t worry, whether I have to jump, skip, crawl or roll, I will cross the finish line! Again, thank you to all those who have donated and contributed to this cause. Now all that’s left to do is run the race!

Go Team Challenge!! :)