New York, NY—August 25, 2008—The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America today announced it hosted 65 walks around the country during the inaugural year of its national fundraising program, Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful and debilitating digestive diseases that affect over 1.4 million Americans. Over 30,000 Americans participated in the Foundation's 2008 Walk season, raising a total of $6 million for the Foundation to invest in research, education, and support.
"People from all ages and backgrounds came together this year to take steps in finding a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, a cause so close to so many Americans," says Cassidy Richards, National Walk Director for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. "The Foundation made great strides this year in raising awareness about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and ways we can help these patients win back their lives. We look forward to reaching even greater heights next year."
Take Steps allows those impacted by these diseases to join together and accomplish an important goal in a fun and energetic environment. Walkers are given all the necessary fundraising tools to raise critical research dollars for these diseases, including a free customizable Web page for fundraising support and fundraising advice and assistance. Top fundraisers are eligible for a variety of incentives, including electronics and gift cards.
For more information about becoming involved in Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis, visit www.cctakesteps.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'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, and 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.
###
