This is Claire. I’m 17, and I will be running in the San Antonio Half Marathon on November 16th in honor of my sister, 14, who has suffered from ulcerative colitis for 6 years. The race is a fundraiser for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, and proceeds will go towards researching a cure for these intestinal diseases, which affect people young and old.

It is not known what causes Crohn's and colitis, but most of the patients are diagnosed from ages 15-35. 10% of patients are under 18. With your help, we can help find a cure!

Please donate generously! With more research and better treatments, the quality of life of zillions (in generations to come) can be improved! I’m currently in training, and I can’t wait for the run in November. Anything you can give counts!

Thank you for your support!

About Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis:

Crohn’s and colitis patients suffer from intestinal pain, discomfort, cramps, urgency to go, frequent stools, and diarrhea, which is sometimes bloody. Sometimes, these chronic diseases attack other parts of the body, such as the eyes and joints. Complications can occur when the diseases are not under control, including hemorrhaging, abcesses, or perforation of intestines. When complications occur, an emergency surgery may be required.

There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, and the only “cure” for colitis is a surgery called colectomy, removal of the colon.

Although several medicines are used to control Crohn’s and colitis, they don’t work for everyone, and they come with serious side effects. Sometimes, colitis patients opt for colectomy at some point in their lives because they either don’t want to deal with the medicines, or the medicines don’t work for them.