Her Story: Amy Brenneman

Did you know that Actress of the Hit ABC Television Show Private Practice Amy Brenneman was diagnose with Ulcerative Colitis here is her Story about the FIGHT against IBD and Amy's Awareness Campaign. We are delighted about the launch of our national awareness campaign featuring acclaimed actress Amy Brenneman. Nearly 1 in 200 Americans have IBD, yet these diseases are rarely discussed. CCFA is working hard to change that. This campaign is designed to start the conversation and raise awareness to help those suffering from IBD, but we need your help.

Her Story: Amy Brenneman Here are a few things I have done in my life: Ran a 5:22 mile. Climbed to 19,000 feet in the Himalayas. Went on stage with Bell’s palsy. Played St. Joan while I had strep throat. Worked until two weeks before I delivered Charlotte. Went back to work two weeks after I delivered Charlotte. Played Robert DeNiro’s love interest and lived to tell the tale. Played Sylvester Stallone’s love interest and lived to tell the tale. Survived five fertility treatments. Survived two miscarriages. Survived three generations of familial insanity. Survived ulcerative colitis. It started subtly with cramping. Then urgency. Rushing to the restroom. Weight loss. Hair loss. Visits to a homeopath, naturopath, nutritionist, acupuncturist, and massage therapist. Countless medications and ultimately surgery. Years ago, my doctor told me there was a surgical solution, but I thought, I will never do that. But surgery ended up being what healed me. I'm so grateful to Western medicine. And while I have found a way past my ulcerative colitis, there are so many who still suffer. That's why I'm an active supporter of the CCFA. They are helping people understand these conditions, building wider awareness and are tirelessly are working towards a cure. Everyone with IBD has a story to tell. This is mine. Now that Amy is feeling healthy, she is focusing on her career and her family. By day, she is an accomplished actress. By night, she is wife and mother. Married for 17 years to director Brad Silberling, she is mother to Charlotte, 11 and Bodhi, 7. Join Amy and support the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America with these quick, easy ways: • Join a Take Steps Walk in your area. • Give a gift in honor of the 1.4 million Americans with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. • Sign up for CCFA's monthly e-newsletter. • Register to take a survey at CCFA Partners and help other IBD patients. • Use #EscapeTheStall with a link to www.escapethestall.com on your social networks. We want to thank the team at Draftfcb for their efforts in helping us develop this awareness campaign and for donating their talents pro bono. Your dedication is greatly appreciated. Special thanks to Amy Brenneman and her team for lending their support. Amy Brenneman is an actress, writer, and producer. Her acting credits include Judging Amy, The Jane Austen Book Club and Private Practice. Learn more about her at: http://theamybrenneman.com/.