HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I just wanted to take this moment to say Happy Thanksgiving to ALL that are sharing it with family and friends. I am constantly reminded of just how GREAT this celebration is. Today I have been reflecting on just the word Thanksgiving and the one thing that I am grateful for his my LIFE, I THANK GOD for my LIFE that's ALL I could think about today. So today as millions gather around to celebrate this day of Thanksgiving always remember to to be Thankful and Grateful for the life that you have because there are so many that don't have the opportunity to celebrate there life or Thanksgiving. So from my Family to Yours HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

50 years after his assassination: The nation Remembers Jonh F. Kennedy

50 years ago today the nation lost there 35th President On November 22, 1963, when he was hardly past his first thousand days in office, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was killed by an assassin's bullets as his motorcade wound through Dallas, Texas. Kennedy was the youngest man elected President; he was the youngest to die. Of Irish descent, he was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, on May 29, 1917. Graduating from Harvard in 1940, he entered the Navy. In 1943, when his PT boat was rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer, Kennedy, despite grave injuries, led the survivors through perilous waters to safety. Back from the war, he became a Democratic Congressman from the Boston area, advancing in 1953 to the Senate. He married Jacqueline Bouvier on September 12, 1953. In 1955, while recuperating from a back operation, he wrote Profiles in Courage, which won the Pulitzer Prize in history. In 1956 Kennedy almost gained the Democratic nomination for Vice President, and four years later was a first-ballot nominee for President. Millions watched his television debates with the Republican candidate, Richard M. Nixon. Winning by a narrow margin in the popular vote, Kennedy became the first Roman Catholic President. His Inaugural Address offered the memorable injunction: "Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country." As President, he set out to redeem his campaign pledge to get America moving again. His economic programs launched the country on its longest sustained expansion since World War II; before his death, he laid plans for a massive assault on persisting pockets of privation and poverty. Responding to ever more urgent demands, he took vigorous action in the cause of equal rights, calling for new civil rights legislation. His vision of America extended to the quality of the national culture and the central role of the arts in a vital society. He wished America to resume its old mission as the first nation dedicated to the revolution of human rights. With the Alliance for Progress and the Peace Corps, he brought American idealism to the aid of developing nations. But the hard reality of the Communist challenge remained. Shortly after his inauguration, Kennedy permitted a band of Cuban exiles, already armed and trained, to invade their homeland. The attempt to overthrow the regime of Fidel Castro was a failure. Soon thereafter, the Soviet Union renewed its campaign against West Berlin. Kennedy replied by reinforcing the Berlin garrison and increasing the Nation's military strength, including new efforts in outer space. Confronted by this reaction, Moscow, after the erection of the Berlin Wall, relaxed its pressure in central Europe. Instead, the Russians now sought to install nuclear missiles in Cuba. When this was discovered by air reconnaissance in October 1962, Kennedy imposed a quarantine on all offensive weapons bound for Cuba. While the world trembled on the brink of nuclear war, the Russians backed down and agreed to take the missiles away. The American response to the Cuban crisis evidently persuaded Moscow of the futility of nuclear blackmail. Kennedy now contended that both sides had a vital interest in stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and slowing the arms race--a contention which led to the test ban treaty of 1963. The months after the Cuban crisis showed significant progress toward his goal of "a world of law and free choice, banishing the world of war and coercion." His administration thus saw the beginning of new hope for both the equal rights of Americans and the peace of the world. Please visit this website: http://www.whitehouse.gov Here is footage of John F. Kennedy Final Hours.

Hollywood Producer Turned IBD Advocate

Brooke Abbott was like most college graduates: young, eager, and ambitious. After several internships for major networks like HBO, the 24-year-old had finally landed her first production management position for a television show. But one day while working on set, she collapsed. What she didn’t know was that she had been experiencing symptoms of IBD, and for quite some time--dizziness, stomach pains, and tiredness. In January 2008, her doctor confirmed her colitis diagnosis. “I heard of Crohn’s and I had heard of IBS but I didn’t know anything about ulcerative colitis. So when I first got the diagnosis, I freaked out. I had just started the TV show, and my career was finally starting to pick up speed. So I was scared." From that moment, Brooke immersed herself in information about her disease. It wasn’t long before she had her colitis under control, and she was back working for shows like ABC's hit series "Desperate Housewives." Brooke soon found out she was pregnant with her son Jax. Life took another unexpected turn for Brooke in 2012. After nearly losing her life from IBD-related complications, her colon was removed and she was given a J-pouch. “I was a single mom. I had no career, no insurance, and I was extremely sick,” said Brooke. “My whole life was turned upside down. I felt out of control. I felt like (IBD) was going to stall or completely end my career.” But Brooke was wrong. Now 30, Brooke has created a new, fulfilling professional path with the help of her popular blog The Crazy Creole Mommy Chronicles, which follows her and her son’s life as she manages being a working mom with IBD for nutrition company Happy Family Superfoods. She is also the co-founder and director of her own afterschool program for young people. Brooke is optimistic about one day returning to a Hollywood set full-time, but for now she has happily found a new voice and passion working from home, building her outreach, and helping others--especially other moms--with IBD. “I had to completely change my life. Now my focus is my family. My objective is helping others through my blog. IBD has completely changed the direction of my career and I had to come to terms with that, but for me, it has been a blessing in disguise.” To learn more about Brooke's IBD journey, visit her blog The Crazy Creole Mommy Chronicles. Brooke Abbott was like most college graduates: young, eager, and ambitious. After several internships for major networks like HBO, the 24-year-old had finally landed her first production management position for a television show. But one day while working on set, she collapsed. What she didn’t know was that she had been experiencing symptoms of IBD, and for quite some time--dizziness, stomach pains, and tiredness. In January 2008, her doctor confirmed her colitis diagnosis. “I heard of Crohn’s and I had heard of IBS but I didn’t know anything about ulcerative colitis. So when I first got the diagnosis, I freaked out. I had just started the TV show, and my career was finally starting to pick up speed. So I was scared." From that moment, Brooke immersed herself in information about her disease. It wasn’t long before she had her colitis under control, and she was back working for shows like ABC's hit series "Desperate Housewives." Brooke soon found out she was pregnant with her son Jax. Life took another unexpected turn for Brooke in 2012. After nearly losing her life from IBD-related complications, her colon was removed and she was given a J-pouch. “I was a single mom. I had no career, no insurance, and I was extremely sick,” said Brooke. “My whole life was turned upside down. I felt out of control. I felt like (IBD) was going to stall or completely end my career.” But Brooke was wrong. Now 30, Brooke has created a new, fulfilling professional path with the help of her popular blog The Crazy Creole Mommy Chronicles, which follows her and her son’s life as she manages being a working mom with IBD for nutrition company Happy Family Superfoods. She is also the co-founder and director of her own afterschool program for young people. Brooke is optimistic about one day returning to a Hollywood set full-time, but for now she has happily found a new voice and passion working from home, building her outreach, and helping others--especially other moms--with IBD. “I had to completely change my life. Now my focus is my family. My objective is helping others through my blog. IBD has completely changed the direction of my career and I had to come to terms with that, but for me, it has been a blessing in disguise.” To learn more about Brooke's IBD journey, visit her blog The Crazy Creole Mommy Chronicles.

Brooke's Story: From Hollywood to IBD Advocacy

In the November 2013 CCFA Newsletter Here is what's going on Letter from Rick Geswell, CCFA President & CEO Rick Geswell, CCFA President and CEO Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away! At CCFA, we're thankful for a lot this year. We appreciate our partners such as Bridgestone Americas for their tremendous support of our walk program and for their in-store "round-up" initiative that took place this past summer. We're also thankful to have a partner in K'NEX – makers of the much-loved construction sets for kids. Through November 30, K'NEX will donate 10% of all online sales to CCFA to support programs. Finally, I want to thank you for your support. Our groundbreaking research and life-changing programs and services wouldn't be possible without you. Enjoy the start of this wonderful holiday season! Brooke's Story: From Hollywood to IBD Advocacy Brooke Brooke was like most college graduates: young, eager, and ambitious. After several internships for major networks like HBO, 24-year-old Brooke finally landed her first production management position for a TV show. But one day she collapsed on set. What she didn't know was that she had been experiencing symptoms of IBD – dizziness, stomach pains, and tiredness – for quite some time. Soon, she was diagnosed with colitis. This was only the beginning of Brooke's struggle with IBD – but it's also the beginning of an incredible story of transformation and resolve. Read Brooke's story. read more Crohn's & Colitis Awareness Week Crohn's & Colitis Awareness Week is coming up! From December 1-7, help us spread the word about IBD. You can set up your own fundraising page and start working with friends and family to raise money for treatments and cures, or you can see and contribute to the other people's campaigns! Check out Amanda Manfred's page – she's raising money on behalf of her five year old son, Ian. read more Newly Diagnosed? Check out this Webcast! Our webcast for newly diagnosed patients is available now on-demand! The path to an IBD diagnosis can be long and challenging. Once diagnosed, people often have difficulty coming to terms with managing the symptoms and treatments of a chronic disease. That's why we're excited to offer Diagnosed with IBD: What to Expect, a two-part webcast that will help patients and loved ones learn more about IBD and how to access helpful resources. Take a look! read more Lotsa Helping Hands: A Great Resource for Caregivers You may already know that November is National Family Caregivers Month. Our Lotsa Helping Hands community offers services and support to caregivers of those with IBD. Last year, we launched The Year of Helping Hands to encourage people to recognize and celebrate the importance of caregivers. This year, we have a special toolkit to welcome caregivers to our supportive community. Join Lotsa Helping Hands or share with a caregiver you know today!

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

Today we Honor our Men and Women who have served this Country to protect our Freedoms. So today I'm honoring my Family and friends that are close to me that have Served and protect the many Millions of others.To the many Millions that have Served you our are HERO'S. May God Bless ALL the Men and Women that have Served and Thank You for your Service.

Hayden's story:4 years old living with UC

In the October 2013 Issue of CCFA'S Newsletter this was talk about. Letter from Rick Geswell, CCFA President & CEO Rick Geswell, CCFA President and CEO We have a lot going on at CCFA these days! I recently attended a conference in England focused on establishing standards for the care for IBD patients. A unified set of standards for quality care of people with IBD does not currently exist anywhere – and this has to change. The first step in developing these long overdue standards is bringing together people, organizations, institutions and governments to establish a protocol. In this country, CCFA has long played the role of convener and facilitator of knowledge on information aimed at cures and the quality of patient lives. In 2014, we will host the first U.S. IBD 2020 Standards of Care Meeting to continue this collaborative process of creating a comprehensive, well-executed and effective program. Time is critical. Too many patients go undiagnosed or lack the right treatments for their disease. IBD patients deserve quality care wherever they are seen. The time is now to improve our systems and the outcomes that true quality care can produce. CCFA Advocacy Priorities Rick Geswell & Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. On October 3, I met with Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., in Washington, D.C. to discuss CCFA advocacy priorities. The newly appointed congressman from New Jersey's 10th district listened with interest as I outlined CCFA's goals for raising awareness about IBD, improving access to care and conducting groundbreaking research. If you are interested in learning more about our advocacy priorities, please visit our website. Ask your legislator to support issues important to IBD patients. Reach out to your representative today! Hayden's Story: An Honored Hero Takes Steps Hayden Hayden is your typical healthy, active 4 year-old-boy – he loves sports, playing with friends, and riding his scooter. When he was diagnosed with IBD, his normal life seemed to come to an abrupt halt – now full of hospital trips and doctor visits. But Hayden is a fighter. Despite the setbacks that come with a diagnosis of IBD, Hayden hasn't let it stop him doing the things he loves. He continues to play lacrosse and basketball... and try out daring skateboard maneuvers! Read Hayden's full story, as told by his mother Heather. read more Healthcare Reform Want to know how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act can help you? Following the passage of this law, the government has created a "Health Insurance Marketplace" to help people learn about their insurance options, find an appropriate plan and submit an application. Open enrollment began on October 1, 2013 and lasts through March 31, 2014. For more information about the Marketplace or to apply for coverage, visit www.healthcare.gov. read more UC Success Video Contest UC Success Living with ulcerative colitis can feel like every day presents a new challenge to overcome. But the good news is... there are many people with UC who have found ways to succeed, despite the difficulties of their disease. The UC Success Video Contest is a great opportunity to share with others how you've learned to overcome the challenges of UC. Now's your chance to celebrate your accomplishments and inspire others to reach for success too! Learn more about the contest and how to enter. read more Team Challenge Race in Miami in February Team Challenge is taking on Miami! On February 2, 2014, 25,000 runners and walkers will convene in sunny Miami for the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon... and you can be one of them! Take a break from winter weather and join Team Challenge in South Florida, where you'll run on a breathtaking tropical course. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to challenge yourself and support treatments and cures for Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. To register with the team, visit www.ccteamchallenge.org.