CCFA is on the Hill Today!

Here is our May 2016 Issue of CCFA'S Newsletter of ALL things that are going on within the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Of America. Letter from our President & CEO Today, more than 100 IBD patients and their loved ones will visit with members of Congress to urge them to pass HR 1600—the Patients' Access to Treatments Act—which would help limit medication costs for patients, including those living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. You don't have to be with us in Washington, D.C. to make a difference though. Join the action by emailing your representative now and asking them to pass this important legislation. Learn more in our May Action Alert. Michael Osso President & CEO World IBD Day is Next Week More than 5 million people across the globe live with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. World IBD Day is observed on May 19th as a way to raise awareness about these diseases. This year, CCFA will be going into local communities nationwide to give back—as a "thank you" for supporting our mission and the 1.6 million Americans who have IBD. Learn how you can get involved with #CCFAinAction. We also extend our deepest thanks to our World IBD Day sponsors: Pfizer, Inc., Prometheus Therapeutics & Diagnostics, a Nestle Health Science Company, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Shire and Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. READ MORE ► Announcing Our New Clinical Trials Community Clinical trials are essential for the creation and approval of medication options for IBD patients. But despite the importance of these trials, there are many factors that cause incredibly long delays in their execution—resulting in fewer available treatments for patients. To help accelerate this process, CCFA is creating an IBD Clinical Trials Community, composed of gastroenterology professionals, patients and researchers. To learn more, join us for a Twitter chat on May 20th from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. EST. Participants will include Dr. Peter Higgins of the University of Michigan (@ibddoctor) and Crohn's patient Carly Medosch (@CarlyRM). Tag @CCFA in your questions using #IBDchat. LEARN MORE ► Racing For Her Mom—and a Cure Sally Roberts didn't own a bicycle or really know how to swim, but after completing her first half marathon with Team Challenge, she decided to train for a triathlon. She did it in honor of her mom, who has battled Crohn's for as long as Sally can remember. She says, "I know each swim stroke, push on the pedals and stride of my run is getting us closer to a cure for my mom and the many friends I have made who battle daily with IBD. I am certain a new chapter will be written soon." Read her whole story here. READ MORE ► You Can be a Triathlete. Team Challenge Can Help! Is completing a triathlon on your bucket list? No matter what your current skill level is, our amazing coaches can help you cross the finish line in honor of someone you love with IBD. This year, Team Challenge Tri takes on a new race in sunny San Diego. The San Diego Triathlon Classic offers a beginner-friendly swim course, spectacular views on the bike and a flat run through Liberty Station. Join the team, and make your miles more meaningful this summer. Training begins in June, and the race is on September 10th. Click here to learn more about Team Challenge Tri. LEARN MORE ► Support CCFA Today Help us raise awareness about IBD, advocate on behalf of patients, continue our cure-focused research and more. What You Should Know About Biosimilars Join us for a webinar on Wednesday, June 1st at 8:00 p.m. EST to learn more about "biosimilars," a new type of medication that has been introduced in the U.S. as a treatment option for chronic illnesses such as Crohn's and colitis. REGISTER TODAY ► It's Not Too Late to Take Steps We have more than 40 Take Steps walks remaining this spring and summer. Connect with the IBD community and help raise critical funds and awareness for the 1.6 million American patients living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. LEARN MORE ► Check Out CCFA's IBD Help Center Speak with a caring Information Specialist, get all your questions answered, access the latest information on treatment options and much more. Call 888.MY.GUT.PAIN, visit us online or email us at info@ccfa.org LEARN MORE ► CCFA provides a comprehensive database of studies, clinical trials and other research on Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Use our search tool to access listings for current and upcoming opportunities to participate in. Deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision, best made with a full understanding of the drug development process and a participant’s role. 7​33 Th​ird Av​en​ue, Sui​te 51​0, Ne​w Y​ork,​ N​Y 10​01​7 www.ccfa.org | 8​00-​93​2-​2​423 Talk with an I​BD Info​rmation Specialist at 88​8.M​y.Gu​t.P​ain | 8​88-​69​4-8​87​2