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. Ulcerative colitis on the other hand, affects only the colon.

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.

Read the story of the local person I am honoring:

Hi, my name is Iris and I live in Lafayette, CA. I am a teenager and I love to act and sing. I perform with a local non-profit theatre group, which raises money for Children's Hospital. In March 2009, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. I had been having on and off tummy and other troubles for years -- but everything became chronic for me after the sudden loss of my dad just months before. It turns out that Crohn's cannot be caused by a traumatic event -- but can be worsened by the stress of one. I have been through many tests, and have had trouble with Crohn's ever since. I tend to miss a lot of school -- but catch up on studies here at home. I have taken some kind of prescription drug ever since I got diagnosed, to relieve the inflammation in my intestines. I was on Prednisone for 9 months, and it only helped temporarily. Now, I go in to the hospital for IV treatments of Remicaide -- every few weeks. I take about 22 pills every day -- which include tons of supplements and herbs to help me get the nutrition I need. I’m on a very strict diet and have good days and bad days. I have found that writing -- and songwriting -- have helped me tremendously to deal with my losses and cope with the chronic symptoms. I have learned so much -- about myself and about what's important -- and I hope to write a book for teens dealing with Crohn's, to share my experience and give others comfort. Thank you for your support to help find a cure and treat those like me who have Crohn’s!

Together, we can make a difference! As a member of Team Challenge, I have had a coach, a training program, and teammates to support me. I committed to a training schedule with additional trainings with my team on the weekends, and I’ve pledged to raise $3,600 in donations to The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.

By now I hope you agree with me about the importance of this cause. Please help support a cure by giving generously. And consider volunteering, walking or running to support a cure in Las Vegas in the fall of 2010 or Napa to Sonoma next year in July!

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. Bookmark this page and visit back frequently to check fundraising progress! P.S. The following local companies are giving 5% of receipts during May and June 2010: KA WebPros - a Google Advertising Professional - Enhancing visibility and ranking on search engines.