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Hi my name is Susan and I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 24 yrs ago at age 13. After 4 years of taking medications that essentially did not work I had my colon removed at age 17 and a J-pouch made. I was fortunate to have had a good 19 year run with my J-pouch, but about 5 years ago I a formed a fistula that ulimately resulted in the removal of my J-pouch and the formation of my Koch Pouch (continent ostomy, Dec '09). Not only is this a personal mission, I am doing it for my two boys Ian (17) & Brodee (14) and my family. This is a hereditary disease and I want to make sure that we find a cure so they will not have to experience what I have had to experience. I'm also doing this for my new Koch Pouch family. I want people to know there are so many options out there. So I'm walking for awareness...for all those that suffer from any form of colitis...for my family...for a cure. The K-pouch started a new chapter to my life...it gave me a new life and participating in this marathon is only the beginning of what I plan to accomplish. Did you know our former president John F. Kennedy suffered from colitis? *****Statistics: Each year, in the United States, 147,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed and more than 57,000 people die from the disease, making it the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in this country. Statistics also show that approximately 1.4 million Americans have Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, illnesses that can unwittingly put many at a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer than that of the general population.***** Any size donation is appreciated and will go to a very important, global cause. Remember to check with your HR department as many companies have a matching gift program. Thank you for all your support, I won't let you down =)

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