Combined, David and I need to raise $6,000. We need help from generous people like you in order to meet this lofty goal. We both believe very strongly in finding a cure for Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis. To donate directly to David please go to: http://www.active.com/donate/napa09norcal/speisersrun

As many of your know, I walked the 39.3 miles (marathon and a half!) to find a cure for breast cancer on behalf of Avon. I have chosen Crohn's and Colitis as my organization of choice for 2009 for six reasons: one reason for each person I know that is afflicted with either Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis. If you have spoken with any of them you know that this can be a devastating disease. There is no cure, only band-aid like medications to deal with the symptoms. Please donate to help find a cure today!! **UPDATE - after asking for donations I have learned of 3 more people who have this disease. It really is more prevalent than you would think.

For every donation of $100 or greater you will be entered into a raffle for an iPod Shuffle. Donate for a great cause and maybe earn a gift along the way. This is an extra incentive I am offering to those that donate to me.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases. 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. The inflammation involves the entire rectum and extends up the colon in a continuous manner. 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. However, Crohn's disease can also occur in people who are 70 or older and in young children as well. In fact, 10 percent of those affected -- or an estimated 100,000 -- are youngsters under the age of 18. On average, people are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in their mid-30s, although the disease can occur at any age.

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 $2,600 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-event 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 82 cents per dollar raised by CCFA goes directly to research and patient support, and your contribution is tax deductible. If your company matches charitable contributions, please include matching forms with your donation. Of course, your good wishes and positive vibes to sustain me in my training and your praise as I cross the finish line will also be graciously accepted.