Raise awareness and money for Crohn's disease and Colitis

A consortium of researchers from the United States, Canada, and Europe has identified 21 new genes for Crohn’s disease, a chronic disease of the large and small intestines. This discovery, funded in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), brings the total number of known genes associated with Crohn’s disease to more than 30 and advances understanding of causes and potential avenues to develop new treatments. Read the report and read more on recent research advancements from CCFA Chief Medical Advisor in the Boston Globe.

Newsday.com
Researchers to test stem cells to treat Crohn’s

BY DELTHIA RICKS

Newsday Staff Writer

11:50 PM EDT, June 17, 2008

Stem cells may force Crohn’s disease into retreat, say Long Island medical investigators who are embarking on a pioneering analysis that targets patients who’ve failed other therapies.

Read more…

Today, before the start of the 1:00 pm football game, ESPN had a segment about David Gerrard, Quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars and his battle with Crohn’s disease over the off season.

It was a short piece, but highlighted how his illness took him through months of pain, losing 35 pounds and eventually resorting to surgery where 12 inches of his intestines were removed. 6 weeks later, the illness returned.

Gerrard is now on the same drugs my sister is on (I think) and is healthy. That stuff is pretty miraculous.

YOu can read more abut his fight here and here.

Then, you can watch him kick ass on the football field.

Got up bright and early for the run/walk. Brought hobbling hubby in tow. Poor guy. Really was frustrated that he couldn’t run. But it was a nice supportive crowd and the course was F-L-A-T flat. Which made it pretty good on the feet.

We raised over $100,000 and SEGSID’s team ranked 5th overall in funds raised.

Bravo to all of you! Thanks for all of your cheers and support.

(((HUGS)))

HappyPhantom

Thanks so much Todd! I just checked my donations page. You totally rock. With the addition of Flirt and my Mom, I will be at $160. Woohoo! I am so psyched for the run. Will report back how I did. Todd gets the rest of my cheers for the day :)

Not too late to donate here.

You have brought me 25% to my goal. Yay! You get the rest of my cheers for the day.

I have not raised a dime for my 5K. Honestly, I understand. I’m certainly not as enthusiastic about this as I was for the bike ride. Perhaps I’ll do a bake sale or something. If you feel sorry for me that I have $0, you can donate here

I have joined Shari’s Crohnies. I’m running the 5K instead of walking. It will be my second 5K ever. I hope I do well. I am training. And I’ve lost some weight, so I’m hoping it helps.

My goal is to raise $100 by April 28. You think any of you out there can help? I know it’s no 210 mile bike ride, but it’s a start :). Or, can you forward this on to other people you think might be interested?

You can visit my web site here to donate.

Thanks for your support!

I’d like to propose that someone else from 43Things carries the torch this year and rides in one of the three Get Your Guts In Gear rides this summer. There is one in New York, Seattle, and a new one in Austin.

I would not be the best person to sell you on this. My husband would be better at telling you how great it was, but he was in better shape than I was, and, well, he’s not on 43T.

For myself, I think I will stick to step aerobics and shorter rides :)

I would happily help out anyone who is interested!

Today, my sister passed on a postcard campaign to the US Postal Service. It is to urge the USPS to create a stamp to raise awareness of and money for a cure for IBD. What a great idea. I am forever buying breast cancer stamps. I would gladly buy IBD stamps.

Plus, you know me. It’s a cause.

You can sign an online petition to support the stamp here.