Beating the Odds with IBD: Terri's Story

Letter from Rick Geswell, CCFA President Rick Geswell, CCFA President This spring we celebrate CCFA's 10th annual IBD Day on the Hill! On May 31st, our dedicated patient advocates will meet with their legislators on Capitol Hill to express the need for continued research funding and to ask them to support our Crohn's and Colitis Caucus. I hope you will join in by encouraging your Congress members to promote IBD awareness. Looking for another way to support people living with IBD? There's still time to join CCFA's Take Steps Be Heard! This weekend, supporters will be walking at 18 sites around the country. Join us and make your voice heard! And one more exciting update: please keep an eye out for our brand new website this summer – we're planning to launch new web features to give you easy access to IBD resources and support. Beating the Odds with IBD: Terri's Story Terri Weidner Terri Weidner's symptoms began in 1971, when she was just 18. Fresh out of high school, her adult life barely begun, she spent the next 10 years "doctor-hopping" while suffering the debilitating effects of her disease. An exploratory surgery finally revealed that Terri had Crohn's disease. Forty years and one extensive intestinal surgery later, Terri has raised three children and works as a full-time registered nurse. "My life is full and satisfying," says Terri. "I don't dwell on what is wrong with me; I look at what is right with me." Read Terri's story in her own words. Read More Travel Tips for Summer Vacations Any successful vacation requires a lot of planning, especially when you're facing health concerns. However, travel is well within the reach of any patient who is already managing Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Whether you're traveling to the beach or abroad, planning ahead will help ensure smoother summer travel. CCFA has compiled helpful information for patients traveling with IBD, including lists of international names for commonly prescribed IBD medications, ideas for meal planning, and tips on finding restrooms on the road. Run with Team Challenge in Nashville! Team Challenge We are very excited to announce that CCFA has added Nashville as a destination for Team Challenge in September! With our first venture into Tennessee, you can now sign up for our endurance training and fundraising program in 26 states! When you run with Team Challenge at The Lady Speed Stick Women's Half Marathon in Nashville, you'll experience Music City at its finest: Country Music Hall of Fame, Music Row, Centennial Park, great Nashville neighborhoods and a street party in Downtown Nashville. The custom finisher's medal, designer goodie bag, cookie cafe and much, much more make this half marathon and 5k a spectacular event! Find a team today! MAY 2012 ISSUE Support Research for Happier Lives We have made astonishing advances in understanding IBD – but there is still work to be done. Your tax-deductible donation helps CCFA fund crucial research to treat and cure IBD. Donate Now Healthy Living Tip doctors HEALTHY LIVING TIP In our Expert Q&A Library you'll find IBD questions submitted by people like you, and answers provided by our panel of IBD experts. Healthy starts here! Read More Inspirato NEW PARTNERSHIP CCFA is excited to announce a partnership with Inspired Giving by Inspirato, a members-only luxury destination club. Find out how you can gain members-only access to Inspirato, while donating to CCFA. Browse Inspired Giving Vacations. Read More Donate Now YouTube Facebook Twitter Forward to a friend Need Help? | Team Challenge | Take Steps | Chapter Events Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America | www.ccfa.org 888.MY.GUT.PAIN (888.694.8872)