Friday, February 22, 2013

In Memory of CCFA Co-Founder Suzanne Rosenthal Story

In the February Issue of CCFA News Letter we shared with you about CCFA'S Co-Founder Suzanne Rosenthal passing well her is Her full Story. In Memory of Suzanne Rosenthal It is with a heavy heart that we share the very sad news of our co-founder Suzanne Rosenthal's passing. Suzanne was a fearless, determined and courageous woman who turned her diagnosis of Crohn's disease in 1955 into a legacy that has gone onto to help hundreds of thousands of people over the years. She dedicated her life to spreading awareness about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, supporting and educating patients and funding research to find cures. In 1967, along with her husband, Irwin M. Rosenthal, William D. and Shelby Modell, and Henry D. Janowitz, MD, she founded the National Foundation of Ileitis and Colitis, now known as the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. Suzanne held many key volunteer positions at CCFA. She was a former president of the Greater New York Chapter and served as National Chairperson of the Board from 1987 to 1991. She served as Chairperson Emeritus of CCFA's Government Affairs Task Force, and was a champion in all advocacy efforts of the foundation. Suzanne received CCFA's distinguished Public Policy Pioneer Award for her tireless advocacy efforts on behalf of IBD patients everywhere. The award was presented at CCFA's First National IBD Advocacy Conference, held in Washington, D.C. in June 2003. Suzanne traveled throughout the country to visit many of CCFA's chapters and to help establish new chapters. She made numerous media appearances to raise public awareness of these inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). During her tenure as President of the Greater New York Chapter, she initiated the support group model that has since been implemented as CCFA's national network of support groups. Suzanne was also the Founder and past President of the Digestive Disease National Coalition (DDNC). The DDNC comprises more than 32 lay groups and professional societies, representing the research and healthcare legislative interests of people who suffer from digestive disorders. In addition, she was an active leader in many digestive disease-related health forums and committees, holding the following positions: member, Advisory Council, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH); chairman, Workgroup on Education of Public and Patients and Supporting Resources of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases; and member, Advisory Committee, and current member, Executive Committee of the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse. There are no words to clearly express our gratitude to Suzanne and all that she has done for the 1.4 million people who suffer from these diseases. Her legacy will live on and we will not stop until we find cures. She will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest sympathy to Suzanne's family, including her husband Irwin, daughters Karen Rosenthal and Robin Mehler, son-in-law David Mehler, grandchildren Jenna, Jack and Abby Belle, brother Donald Sigman and sister-in-law Myrna. **** A Special Shiva Will Be Hosted by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America in honor of their co-founder, Suzanne Rita Rosenthal 1930 Broadway between 64th and 65th Streets, 3rd floor Lounge Thursday 4:30 pm-9:00 pm

Thursday, February 21, 2013

A Great Legacy

In the February CCFA News Letter it is with GREAT sadness that we Remember and Celebrate a lost in our family CCFA Co-Founder Suzanne Rosenthal. It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news of our co-founder Suzanne Rosenthal's passing. Suzanne was a fearless, determined and courageous woman who turned her diagnosis of Crohn's disease in 1955 into a legacy that has gone on to benefit hundreds of thousands of people over the years. As a patient, volunteer, and activist, Suzanne was a tireless pioneer for patients living with IBD and other digestive diseases. She dedicated her life to helping other patients, and she is personally responsible for the creation of the various CCFA chapters nationwide. No words can truly express our gratitude to Suzanne. We will proudly carry on her vision of raising awareness and finding cures. I invite you to read more about Suzanne's legacy here. Thank you, Richard J. Geswell President Applications to Camp Oasis are now available! CCFA Camp Oasis Logo Dealing with IBD as a child is challenging. That's why CCFA established Camp Oasis. This co-ed residential camp provides a safe and supportive community for kids coping with growing up with IBD. At 12 Camp Oasis locations around the country, kids can try new sports, arts and activities and create friendships with people who truly understand them. And they'll always be taken care of – our volunteer health care professionals are available for 24-hour care. Applications are now open for summer 2013 – new campers are encouraged to apply! read more Walk With Us Take Steps walkers Feel a true sense of community when you join a Take Steps fundraising walk. Take Steps is not just a walk, but a celebration including music, food, and activities for the whole family. Our participants walk each spring and fall in over 150 communities nationwide, and our 2013 events are just around the corner! You can participate as an individual, or double your fun and walk with friends, family, or co-workers as a team! In the past five years, Take Steps walkers succeeded in bringing together over 100,000 people and have raised close to $40 million to help further CCFA's mission. Learn more at cctakesteps.org. read more Be Determined! Are you determined? Visit CCFA's I'll Be Determined site to see new interactive features to help you take charge of your IBD. If you've been recently diagnosed or know someone who has, the recently added "Newly Diagnosed" section is an excellent resource for preparing yourself for potential lifestyle changes. Other new features on the site include additional content in the Info Center, access to GI Buddy, our disease management tracker, and a redesigned layout! From treatment options to advice about how to deal with potential complications to nutrition, I'll Be Determined offers tools and resources, the perspectives of IBD patients and experts, and a chance to connect with people like you – with plenty of quizzes, games and videos along the way. Join the movement today, and start taking charge of IBD!