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!