 | | NIH Researchers Discover Mutations in Two Genes that Cause Early-Onset IBD: Finding Enables Successful Treatment of a Previously Treatment-Resistant PatientAn international team including researchers from the National Institutes of Health has discovered that mutations in either of two related genes cause a severe and rare form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in young children. Discovery of the genetic mutations allowed the researchers to successfully treat one of the study patients with a bone marrow transplant. The patient, who had not responded to other therapies, showed dramatic improvement following the bone marrow transplant and has remained in remission from IBD for more than a year. "This is a milestone in IBD research, providing us with further insight into what causes IBD and how to treat it," said CCFA's Chief Medical Advisor, R. Balfour Sartor, MD. "However, bone marrow transplants can have serious, sometimes fatal, adverse outcomes. For example, the patient described in this study developed graft vs host disease, despite obtaining the transplant marrow from a sibling." These genes continue to be investigated by CCFA's Pediatric Network, through efforts led by Scott Snapper, MD, PhD, who is co-author of this study and Chair of the CCFA Research Initiatives Committee. The research will be published in the Nov. 19, 2009 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine, and is now available on the journal's web site.
CCFA Supports National Colorectal Cancer Awareness MonthOn Tuesday, November 2, a letter was sent to Mrs. Michelle Obama asking for a White House event to heighten the public's awareness of colorectal cancer. CCFA was one of eighteen patient advocacy and GI physician organizations to co-sign the letter and request this event. Full text of the letter is available here. We will keep everyone posted on further developments.
Young Adults:
Win an iPod in our "Be an Inspiration" Video ContestYoung adults ages 13 through 20, be an inspiration: record a video of yourself doing something that IBD has NOT STOPPED YOU from doing, and you could win an iPod! This new contest is being hosted by our site for teens, UCandCrohns.org. Check out the My Story video contest rules and enter to win that iPod today!
Victory for College Students:
New Law Ensures Continual Medical CoverageRecently "Michelle's Law" became effective, ensuring that seriously ill or injured full-time college students who have current health insurance can continue coverage while on medical leave. The law states that a college student is able to take up to a year off from school or reduce classes to a part-time load and still be covered by a parent's medical insurance. This will allow students up to 12 months to focus on getting better without having the financial burden of being taken off parental insurance. Read more.New Flu & IBD Fact Sheet Available in Time for Flu SeasonOtherwise known as the flu, influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Current guidelines recommend inactivated flu and pneumococal vaccines in patients who are immunosuppressed. Read more about how to protect yourself from the flu. Download it today!
Pro Quarterback Scoring Against Crohn's:
Track Progress with Virtual Scoreboard
 For the second year in a row, pro quarterback David Garrard aims to score big for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients to raise awareness and provide funding for CCFA through the In the Zone for Crohn's program. For every rushing or passing touchdown that David scores during the 2009 football season, Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. will again make a donation of $10,000 to CCFA for research, education, and support initiatives. Last season, David scored 17 touchdowns, raising $170,000 for CCFA. Keep up-to-date on games played, touchdowns scored, games remaining, and total money raised for CCFA with the program's new Virtual Scoreboard. Start tracking David's progress—download the virtual scoreboard and share it today!
New Lower Prices!
"Kids for a Cause" Holiday Cards Available Now
 This year, a number of CCFA's Camp Oasis campers agreed to share their experience through images they created during camp art workshops. With great pride, CCFA's 2009 holiday cards feature the marvelous creativity of these campers -- our youngest patients.
Our "Kids for a Cause" cards feature selections for Rosh Hashanah, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's. Proceeds from these cards will go toward our mission. When you send a card, you'll not only stay in touch with your loved ones, but you'll also support our vital programs. We have reduced the prices on these cards for this year -- purchase "Kids for a Cause" cards today!
Health Care Professionals: Register for CCFA's Annual Advances in IBD ConferenceTaking place December 3-6, 2009 in Hollywood, Florida, CCFA's annual Advances in IBD Clinical & Research Conference will include expanded sessions for pediatric specialists and nurses, as well as a new session on endoscopy advances in IBD. Expert specialists will make up the outstanding faculty at this informative and enjoyable conference for clinicians, practitioners, basic scientists, and researchers. View the conference faculty, agenda, and register today.
New IBD Legislation Introduced in House and Senate:
Urge your Legislators to Support Important New BillThe IBD Research and Awareness Act was introduced May 6th in the House and Senate. We need your help to advocate for passage of this important piece of legislation that will help the 1.4 million Americans with IBD. Please contact your legislators now and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 2275 (House bill number) and S. 981 (Senate bill number). Take action now!
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