Changing What it Means to be a Patient

Here is our March 2015 issue of CCFA'S Newsletter on ALL the things that are going on with CCFA. Letter from our President & CEO Help us help you! Become a CCFA Partner and join a revolutionary network of people with IBD who are determined to bring us closer to cures. As a partner, you'll have access to tools to help you better understand your health and you'll influence our game changing IBD research by proposing, discussing and voting on research questions. All you have to do is take a 30-minute survey twice a year – that's it! Joining is easy, just create an account and answer a few questions to get started. I hope you'll become a Partner today! Richard J. Geswell, CCFA President and CEO Thank you, Richard J. Geswell VIDEO: Changing What it Means to be a Patient Find out what makes CCFA Partners, our patient-powered research network, so special. WATCH THE VIDEO ► Aria's Story: Starting Over Aria was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis a week before starting kindergarten. She went on a maintenance medicine and was in remission for 9 months... and then things got much worse. For over a year, no treatment or medicine brought Aria any relief from her excruciating flare up. Finally, Aria had a proctocolectomy. Now at 8 years old, Aria's story is one of strength, success and raising awareness – not pain. Learn more and see Aria in the news! READ MORE ► Are You at Risk for Colorectal Cancer? March is Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Prevention Month, so now is the perfect time to review your risk for CRC with your healthcare provider. Risk factors for people with IBD include disease duration and the extent of the colon involved, and risk increases about 8 to 10 years after developing Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. To learn more, visit our site or contact the Help Center at info@ccfa.org. You can also attend our next Facebook event on Wednesday, March 25 at 5:00 pm ET. Hosted by Dr. Ganesh R. Veerappan, MD, Akron Digestive Disease Consultants, the event topic is Diagnostic Tests and Colon Cancer Prevention. LEARN MORE ► Do You Have Guts?! Curing IBD requires the ongoing support of dedicated friends like you. When you join Friends with Guts as a monthly donor, your commitment will help fund critical IBD research and sustain programs for people struggling emotionally and physically with IBD. Donate now Alternative Treatment for IBD Mark your calendar! Our next webinar will take place on Tuesday, May 12, and will explore complementary and alternative treatment approaches in IBD. Pre-register today! REGISTER ► Team Challenge takes you to Napa and Maine this summer! Experience the lush vineyards of Napa, the scenic shores of Portland, Maine, or the vibrant city of Dublin, Ireland with Team Challenge, CCFA's endurance training and fundraising program. Participate in a 16-week professional training program designed to meet your unique "walk or run" fitness needs. Get started now at a Team Challenge information meeting. GET STARTED ► Take Steps... Towards Cures! Get involved in the search for cures – join a Take Steps Walk today! This nationwide event takes place in over 140 communities and helps raise critical dollars to fund our mission. From groundbreaking research to patient education and outreach programs, we're working harder than ever to move forward and enhance the quality of life for patients. If you raise $100 or more and join the ranks of Take Steps MVPs (Most Valued Participants), you’ll receive an exclusive MVP t-shirt. Find your walk today! FIND A WALK ► Pizza for Cures If you're on the East Coast, get ready for pizza! We have another exciting Bertucci's promotion taking place on Tuesday, April 14. When you share this flier at one of the 88 participating locations, Bertucci's will donate 15% of your purchase (dine-in, take-out or delivery) to CCFA. If you live near a Bertucci's, please support this initiative and treat yourselves, family and friends to a pizza! GET THE FLIER ►