Kyle's Story

Our son Kyle is an active, athletic, 6th grade boy who does not want to be defined by Crohn's Disease. Kyle is our honorary team member ...

Kyle was diagnosed in October of 2006, when he was just eight-years-old. After the initial gamut of invasive tests that are not likely seen for an eight-year-old, the diagnosis left Kyle with severe anemia and the loss of a year of growth. Children’s Hospital became an all too familiar place and doctors, medication and needles became protocol for daily life. After trying most all of the oral medications prescribed to treat Crohn's Disease, Kyle was finally able to maintain a fairly normal life on a medication that was administered through IV infusions every five weeks. In April of 2009, he developed antibodies to this medication. Again, Kyle went through more invasive testing and has now been diagnosed with a severe form of Crohn's Disease. At first, his doctor tried an experimental oral medication but Kyle did not respond. Now thankfully, he has responded to a medication that is administered through injections at home. This medication was just approved in May of 2009 for adults and has not even been approved yet for pediatric patients. Kyle’s options for treatment are now so limited.

Nancy and I will complete the 13.1-mile Wine Country Half Marathon on July 18th, 2010, to raise funds and awareness for research leading to improved treatment options and a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Please help us in our efforts, not only for Kyle but also for all the children and adults who suffer from this debilitating disease.

Together, we must find a cure.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). 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. 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. On average, people are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in their mid-30s, although the disease can occur at any age. 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.

More than 80 cents per dollar raised by CCFA goes directly to research and patient support, and your contribution is tax deductible. The CCFA received one of only six "A" ratings from the American Institute of Philanthropy and consistently meets the standards established by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. Once you make a donation through our website, you will automatically receive a confirmation email with tax deduction information.

Thank you again for taking the time to look at our cause, please consider donating generously, your consideration is appreciated immensely.

If donating by check, it can be made out to the CCFA and mailed to: 635 Rae Drive Hartland, WI. 53029.