Welcome to my Team Challenge site and I truly appreciate your taking the time to have a look and hear my story. As some of you might know, I have not been a runner until quite recently, but with a little experience behind me, I've decided to use it to really make a difference.

I've joined the Team Challenge program with Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) and have committed to raise at least $5,000 towards their research. This will enable Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients to have a better quality of life and hopefully in the future find a cure for these conditions. As part of this program, I'll be training to run the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon on July 19.

The work of CCFA has a personal meaning to me because my husband, Jason, has suffered from Crohn's disease for several years. While it is treatable and manageable, it is a lifelong, chronic illness that can be very debilitating. Crohn's disease is an inflammation of the large intestine that is painful and incurable. With your help, patients like Jason can have hope to be able to one day be free from these diseases and their daily challenges. I'll be running this race in Jason's honor in the hopes that the funds raised will one day change his life for the better. In addition, by doing this I hope to raise awareness of Crohn's disease and similar illnesses. Before I met Jason, I had never heard of Crohn's and before he was diagnosed, he had never heard of it either. By raising awareness I hope to further the goal of broad-based support for these illnesses.

Please consider a tax-deductible contribution to help further this critical research and help me meet my goal. Any amount brings us further to a cure. I greatly appreciate your financial support as well as your encouragement and prayers.

Thank you!