NFL Quarterback Teams with CCFA to Help Kids Tackle Crohn's Disease

Jacksonville Jaguars' David Garrard Shares Personal Crohn's Experiences through Team Crohn's Program

Living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can be challenging, but it doesn't have to keep you from reaching your goals and dreams. This is exactly the message that Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback, David Garrard, is bringing to kids this summer at CCFA Camp Oasis locations across the country.

CCFA has partnered with Garrard to raise awareness about pediatric Crohn's disease and to encourage children suffering with the illness to fight back and not let their disease be an obstacle to living their dreams. The program, Team Crohn's, is sponsored by Centocor, Inc. and it is the first program of its kind to focus attention on children battling inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

David knows how painful, debilitating and embarrassing Crohn's disease can be. Following the 2003 NFL season, David began to experience the symptoms of Crohn's and, like many patients, he was surprised and confused by his diagnosis. After failing many different therapies and still battling his flare-ups, David underwent surgery. After surgery he began a new treatment plan and returned to the playing field for the 2004 season. Last year, David fulfilled one of his longtime dreams and led the Jaguars into the playoffs.

David's camp tour began in June when he visited CCFA Camp Oasis in Rutledge, GA. David met with nearly 100 children who traveled from across Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Florida and Alabama to attend the special week-long camp.

While visiting the campers, David said, "Having people that you can rely on can help you achieve your dreams and fight this disease. Crohn's may be an obstacle, but with the support of your own team of friends, family, classmates...you can overcome it. It's like having your own offensive line fighting for you to score a touchdown."

In July, David visited CCFA Camp Oasis locations in Lake Hughes, California and Ortonville, Michigan. In California, more than 120 children with Crohn's and ulcerative colitis from California and Washington State greeted him with songs, cheers and many questions about his fight against Crohn's. Following his California visit, David traveled to Michigan, where again he shared his experience with more than 100 children from CCFA chapters in Michigan and Ohio.

"We are thrilled to have David join us in an effort to encourage and support children suffering from pediatric Crohn's disease," said Richard J. Geswell, President of CCFA. "IBD has a profound impact on children's physical functioning and quality of life. These kids need therapies and educational resources that enable them to meet the challenges of living with IBD. This program represents one of the many steps we are taking with our partners to help fulfill those needs."

While David will begin his own camp in August -- Jaguars NFL training camp, that is -- he is sending a special message to campers at other Camp Oasis locations throughout the remainder of the summer.

"After I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, I hoped to one day be well enough to help raise awareness about this condition," said David Garrard. "Thanks to advice from my doctor, available treatment options and my own personal support team, I am able to play football again and work with CCFA on this rewarding program. My message to kids with these diseases is don't give up and don't let Crohn's or colitis win. By fighting it everyday, you are the winners!"

For more information about pediatric Crohn's disease, see our fact sheet.

Date Posted: July 24, 2006