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PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Supporter Makes Pledge Around Slocum's TOUR Championship Performance
Funds to Benefit Pediatric Digestive Disease Patients in GeorgiaAtlanta, GA—September 23, 2009—Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) supporter, Gordon Ford, will donate $1,000 to CCFA for every birdie that Heath Slocum, CCFA national spokesperson and three-time PGA TOUR champion, shoots during this week's TOUR Championship, Thursday, September 24 through Sunday, September 27. "When I heard that Heath Slocum was playing in my backyard, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to help raise much-needed awareness and funds about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, a cause close to Slocum's heart and to mine," says Ford. "Not only will I be watching Slocum's performance closely this week and rooting him on, but so will thousands of Crohn's and colitis patients around the country. Having our national spokesperson play in this prestigious tournament is inspirational and motivational." Ford and his family have been involved with CCFA's Georgia Chapter for several years and will earmark the funds to support the local chapter's Camp Oasis program. A residential camp program, available nationwide during the summers, Camp Oasis enriches the lives of children with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis by providing a safe and supportive camp community. "When I was first diagnosed with ulcerative colitis over 12 years ago, I had never heard of this chronic disease," says Slocum. "Yet today, millions of Americans are still suffering from Crohn's and colitis and living day-to-day not knowing when they require a hospital stay or miss work for days or months on end. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation recognizes the need to raise awareness, find better therapies and a cure, and I am thrilled that Ford is leveraging the TOUR Championship to help the Foundation do just that." Since signing on to work with the Foundation in fall 2008, Slocum has helped raise much-needed awareness and funds for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis research, education, and support. He has been instrumental in increasing awareness and drawing attendance at CCFA fundraiser golf tournaments in cities around the country; recorded a series of radio public service announcements (available for download at http://www.ccfa.org/about/press/heathslocumpsa); participated in media interviews for local and national outlets; and served as a motivational speaker at CCFA events. On November 2, he will participate in CCFA's North Texas Chapter's 17th Annual Putt for a Purpose Golf Tournament. About Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery. These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35. About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality
of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, with more than 81 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org). For more information, contact the Foundation at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org. Media Contact:
Ariella Levine, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, 646-943-7430, alevine@ccfa.org |
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