An exciting opportunity

Here is the August Issue of CCFA

Letter from Rick Geswell, CCFA President If you care about discovering better treatments and cures for IBD – and I know you do – I have some exciting news. Right now, when you make a gift to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, your donation will automatically double! A donor has generously offered to match every donation we receive in response to this campaign up to a total of $50,000 – which would put $100,000 toward IBD research and awareness-building efforts. This matching offer will last only until September 15th, so I hope you'll take advantage by making your most generous gift today. Your support will do twice as much work in our fight to find cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. More than my diagnosis Alyssa Zeldenrust Alyssa Zeldenrust was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when she was 14 years old and underwent many treatment options, including a feeding tube. Since 2010, she has lived with a permanent ileostomy. Despite serious struggles with her health, Alyssa has worked to build connections with other patients she has met through programs like CCFA's Camp Oasis, Take Steps, and her own blog, Love for Mutant Guts. "I am more than my disease!" Alyssa declares. "I am a Christian. I am a student. I am a lover of the earth, art, good food and good company. I love fighting pain and injustice with compassion. I am a hugger. I choose to have these statements to define who I am beyond my diagnosis." Read Alyssa's story in her own words. Take Steps Be Heard! CCFA is preparing for another great season for Take Steps Be Heard! This fall, thousands of community members will gather at 78 walk sites around the country to make their voices heard in the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In just five years, Take Steps has raised almost $40 million for research and patient services. In addition to raising funds to bring us closer to better treatment and cures, Take Steps walks are an excellent way to meet other IBD patients, family members, and new friends. Join the fun by registering today at www.cctakesteps.org. Resource: Transitioning to Adulthood with IBD As we enter back-to-school season, many older teens and young adults with IBD have questions about the transition from pediatric to adult care. Our recent webcast "Transitions in IBD: Graduating to Young Adult Care" is now available free online! Learn from IBD experts Dr. Laurie Fishman and Maureen Kelly, MS, RN, CPNP about the differences in IBD treatment and management options when transitioning care as well as best practices and goals to improve the quality of life during this often difficult time. Listen to this free webcast now.