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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE Millions Raised for the Foundation through Endurance Training Program
Hundreds cross the finish line in California Wine Country for a cure New York, NY—July 20, 2008—After raising over $2 million for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation through its half marathon training program, Team Challenge, 509 people crossed the finish line at the Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon on Sunday.
"We are so excited to have our group, from all over the country, here this weekend to experience California wine country," said Staci Brown, National Event Director for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. "And, most importantly, being here this weekend symbolizes the great strides the Foundation has made in raising awareness of and funds for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis."
Crohn's and colitis are painful and chronic digestive diseases for which there currently is no cure. Over 1.4 million Americans, including 150,000 children, are affected and go day-to-day not knowing when their disease will strike again.
The Foundation provided fundraising assistance and all-expenses paid trips to wine country in exchange for helping the Foundation come closer to finding better therapies and a cure.
Hailing from all over the country, racers trained with teammates and professional coaches over 16 weeks. They received nutrition, hydration, injury prevention tips and more.
Those interested in helping the Foundation can learn more and sign up to train for half marathons around the country at www.ccteamchallenge.org.
About Crohn's Disease and 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 of America
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. |
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