Here I am at the 12-mile mark during the Team Challenge 1/2 marathon in San Antonio in November. Thirteen CCFA chapters and one national team participated in this event, raising over $875,000 to help find a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The WI team raised over $125,000 during this event, and I want to help them raise even more by running in the Napa to Sonoma 1/2 marathon this July.

As many of you may recall, my aunt, Lois, has lived with Crohn's for most of her life. She had the disease for about 7 years before finally being diagnosed in 1968 at age 27. Her symptoms included diarrhea, nausea, weight loss, severe weakness, fever and chills. Doctors at that time thought it was all in her head and put her through electric shock treatments. Despite surgery following her diagnosis, Lois' symptoms returned and she will continue to live with them as long as there is no cure. There is very little Lois can eat without getting sick. A basic meal of meat, potatoes, gravy and salad causes her to be ill for 2 days. At 5'2", Lois weighs 97 pounds. While prescription medications like Prednisone help alleviate her symptoms, these drugs are not without adverse side effects. When I asked my aunt how she lives with this horrible disease, she said she "prays a lot."

I want to continue raising awareness and funds to help my aunt and the estimated 1.4 million adults and children in America who are affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. With your help, we can make a huge difference together!

By the way, I finished the San Antonio 1/2 marathon and I will finish the next one too!