2nd Day of DNC

As millions know or may NOT know that this is an Election year and we our gearing up to reelect President Obama. So tonight was the 2nd Night of the DNC what a POWERFUL night is was yet again after coming down off First Lady Michelle Obama's Electrifying speech she gave last night we as Democrats were still KICKING it into OVER drive with former President Bill Clinton. We were also touch with an arousing and Point of View story that was given by candidate Senator Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts. What I see with this Democratic National Convention is consistency from the diversity of Americans all the way down to the Speaker given there Speech's this has been one of the most Powerful, Electrifying, Motivation, Uplifting, Joyful, Energetic Convention I've seen in quite sometime. I JUST LOVE IT!! Here is Elizabeth Warren Speech After that speech was given by Elizabeth Warren the most powerful speech that was given by Americas then President Former President Bill Clinton.

Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention

Tonight was the start of the Democratic National Convention which was held in Charlotte North Carolina. The DNC started off with a BLAST from Key Note Speaker out of San Antonio Texas Julian Castro. Here is his Speech After Julian Castro gave his Speech that KICK OFF the Democratic National Convention and rally ALL American Voters to back Barack Obama the First Lady Michelle Obama came out after a Heart warming Welcome from a Military Mom Elaine Byre.Then First Lady Michelle Obama took to the stage and gave a Powerful speech that tugged on the Heart strings of America First Lady Michelle painted a picture of Love, Determination, Struggle, Down to Earth, Hard Working , Family Man that has come along way. First Lady Michelle Obama Speech

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.

Here's what Motivates Us

Here is the July Issue of CCFA'S News Letter. Letter from Rick Geswell, CCFA President Rick Geswell, CCFA President

Every once in a while, a note comes across my desk – like this one from St. John's Lutheran preschool class – that truly touches my heart. I wanted to share it with you and express my gratitude for all that you do as part of CCFA. Every supporter – no matter how young – makes a difference in our search for cures. Whether you donate, volunteer, walk, run, or just talk to people about IBD and your experiences – you are an integral part of CCFA, and I am proud to call myself a part of this community. Student-Athlete Exemplifies True Sportsmanship David Lerner A little over a year ago, 23-year-old David Lerner lived a healthy, active life like any typical college student. The Florida native was heading into his senior year as a punter for the University of Florida Gators when he began experiencing excruciating abdominal pains. He thought they were nothing more than a bad reaction to his poor diet, but just five days later, Lerner learned he had Crohn's disease. "It was a real blindside. I never really had anything wrong in my life," said Lerner. "To hear you have this disease and there is no known cure for it at this time... That was very difficult for me to grasp and handle." Read this inspiring story on our new website! Read More Post, Tweet and Share with CCFA Whether you are a patient, a care provider, or a family member or friend of someone who suffers from IBD, joining our social networks is a fun and easy way to stay connected with the members of our community: Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Share the things you love with us on Pinterest We love to share inspirational stories, research updates, and ways you can connect with the broader IBD community of patients, care providers, and medical professionals. Join us today! Inspire Others with Your Great Comebacks® Story Great Comebacks Your story can inspire others! Our Team Challenge partner ConvaTec wants you to inspire others this summer by sharing your personal story with the Great Comebacks® Program. For 27 years, the Program has recognized individuals who are leading full and productive lives following ostomy surgery. Submit your own story of triumph over IBD or write about someone who has sparked a positive change in you. The deadline to send a story to Great Comebacks® is August 1, so click here to get started today!

Have you seen CCFA'S New website

In the June Issue of CCFA the Foundation revealed their new website. I am so EXCITED about the new website.

Letter from Rick Geswell, CCFA President Rick Geswell, CCFA President We are excited to announce the launch of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America's new website. Our dedicated team has created a truly user-friendly, interactive environment that serves our patients, caregivers, and medical professionals with invaluable information regarding IBD and the progress we are making towards finding cures. When you visit, you'll find an extensive resources library, a newly updated physician directory, and up-to-date news on research and clinical trials. I hope you will explore our new website, and fill out a short survey to tell us what you think! Here is the link to the new website. http://www.ccfa.org/, Giving a Voice to IBD: Katherine's Story Katherine Raderstorf When Katherine Raderstorf was diagnosed, she was one of many patients reluctant to discuss her disease. But when she realized her voice could make a difference in the lives of other young patients and their parents, she joined CCFA's National Youth Leadership Council and became a tireless advocate, raising awareness and funds to find a cure for IBD. Last month, Katherine participated in CCFA's biggest advocacy event of the year, Day on the Hill in Washington, DC. "I want to keep spreading awareness about these diseases," says Katherine. "Awareness leads to understanding." Read her story here. Read More Short Bowel Syndrome and Crohn's Disease CCFA has compiled a new fact sheet to answer any questions you might have on short bowel syndrome, also known as SBS. This disorder affects people who have had large portions of their small intestine surgically removed as a result of a digestive illness, such as Crohn's disease. Patients with SBS can experience a variety of symptoms related to their body's inability to absorb enough nutrients, fluids, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals from the food they eat. To learn more about short bowel syndrome, including its causes, symptoms, and treatments – download our latest brochure.

Beating the Odds with IBD: Terri's Story

Letter from Rick Geswell, CCFA President Rick Geswell, CCFA President This spring we celebrate CCFA's 10th annual IBD Day on the Hill! On May 31st, our dedicated patient advocates will meet with their legislators on Capitol Hill to express the need for continued research funding and to ask them to support our Crohn's and Colitis Caucus. I hope you will join in by encouraging your Congress members to promote IBD awareness. Looking for another way to support people living with IBD? There's still time to join CCFA's Take Steps Be Heard! This weekend, supporters will be walking at 18 sites around the country. Join us and make your voice heard! And one more exciting update: please keep an eye out for our brand new website this summer – we're planning to launch new web features to give you easy access to IBD resources and support. Beating the Odds with IBD: Terri's Story Terri Weidner Terri Weidner's symptoms began in 1971, when she was just 18. Fresh out of high school, her adult life barely begun, she spent the next 10 years "doctor-hopping" while suffering the debilitating effects of her disease. An exploratory surgery finally revealed that Terri had Crohn's disease. Forty years and one extensive intestinal surgery later, Terri has raised three children and works as a full-time registered nurse. "My life is full and satisfying," says Terri. "I don't dwell on what is wrong with me; I look at what is right with me." Read Terri's story in her own words. Read More Travel Tips for Summer Vacations Any successful vacation requires a lot of planning, especially when you're facing health concerns. However, travel is well within the reach of any patient who is already managing Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Whether you're traveling to the beach or abroad, planning ahead will help ensure smoother summer travel. CCFA has compiled helpful information for patients traveling with IBD, including lists of international names for commonly prescribed IBD medications, ideas for meal planning, and tips on finding restrooms on the road. Run with Team Challenge in Nashville! Team Challenge We are very excited to announce that CCFA has added Nashville as a destination for Team Challenge in September! With our first venture into Tennessee, you can now sign up for our endurance training and fundraising program in 26 states! When you run with Team Challenge at The Lady Speed Stick Women's Half Marathon in Nashville, you'll experience Music City at its finest: Country Music Hall of Fame, Music Row, Centennial Park, great Nashville neighborhoods and a street party in Downtown Nashville. The custom finisher's medal, designer goodie bag, cookie cafe and much, much more make this half marathon and 5k a spectacular event! Find a team today! MAY 2012 ISSUE Support Research for Happier Lives We have made astonishing advances in understanding IBD – but there is still work to be done. Your tax-deductible donation helps CCFA fund crucial research to treat and cure IBD. Donate Now Healthy Living Tip doctors HEALTHY LIVING TIP In our Expert Q&A Library you'll find IBD questions submitted by people like you, and answers provided by our panel of IBD experts. Healthy starts here! Read More Inspirato NEW PARTNERSHIP CCFA is excited to announce a partnership with Inspired Giving by Inspirato, a members-only luxury destination club. Find out how you can gain members-only access to Inspirato, while donating to CCFA. Browse Inspired Giving Vacations. Read More Donate Now YouTube Facebook Twitter Forward to a friend Need Help? | Team Challenge | Take Steps | Chapter Events Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America | www.ccfa.org 888.MY.GUT.PAIN (888.694.8872)

April Issue of CCFA

This is from the April Issue of CCFA

Letter from Rick Geswell, CCFA President Rick Geswell, CCFA President Spring has finally arrived! We have many exciting activities and programs taking place that we hope you will participate in. There is still time to sign up for a Take Steps Be Heard walk near you. This program is the lifeblood of CCFA and we hope to get as many feet walking as possible! See below for details on a great Take Steps contest with a chance to meet Nolan Ryan! Register today for a walk in your community. If you prefer running, it's not too late to join our half marathon events in scenic Virginia, California Wine Country, and Hawaii. And what would summer be without Camp Oasis? Both campers and volunteers are invited to sign up for 2012 camps, and have adventures they never imagined. Join us! From patient to doctor: David's story David Griffin Diagnosed with Crohn's disease when he was eight-years-old, David Griffin was in and out of remission growing up. Adolescent years are difficult for any teen – but they were especially trying for David. "The side effects of the treatments can be more psychologically devastating than the illness itself," he recalls. Sometimes, David wouldn't take his medicine for fear of those side effects, putting himself at risk for Crohn's-related complications. Today, David is in medical school. Learning about the human body will prepare him to be a doctor and also help him to be a better patient. Read David's story. Read More CCFA Partners: Building a Platform for Success Our CCFA Partners program is building a legacy of knowledge for a better future! CCFA Partners is an Internet-based cohort study in which we are partnering with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) patients in an online community. Through the web, we are using the program to collect information from IBD patients across the country to learn about the impact of IBD on their health. This opportunity for patients to contribute to advances in their own care has an unprecedented potential to improve the quality of life for patients everywhere. If you haven't done so already, please take the time to participate in this important study. It's an easy way for you to take part in helping us find cures. Learn more about CCFA Partners and help us make a difference. Vote for your favorite! CCFA is launching a monthly giving program for special donors who want to increase their commitment to CCFA's mission, but we still need a name for the program! We've narrowed it down to our top choices: click on your favorite to help us decide! No matter which name is chosen, the support that CCFA receives through monthly giving is truly important. Committed monthly donors ensure that we have a steady stream of income to expand our programs, and fund cutting-edge research that may one day lead to cures for IBD. We look forward to sharing the winner with you soon. Thanks for voting! Giving Circle Research Champions Friends with GUTS CCFA Sustainers APRIL 2012 ISSUE Support Research for Happier Lives As the leader in IBD research, CCFA needs your support to fund cutting-edge research to treat and cure IBD. Your gift can help improve the quality of life of many patients. Donate Now Healthy Living Tip doctors HEALTHY LIVING TIP Talking to your doctor about the possible side effects of any treatment you consider goes a long way towards healthier living – starting here! Read More WALK TO WIN Meet Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan and win a trip to the North Texas Gala! Take Steps is running a nationwide fundraising incentive from April 16th - May 1st for two tickets to the gala, two airline tickets, and a two-night hotel stay. For every $100 raised between April 16th - May 1st, you will be entered into a drawing for one chance to win. The more money you raise, the more chances to win! The Gala is Thursday, May 24th at 6:30 pm. Read More Donate Now YouTube Facebook Twitter Forward to a friend Need Help? | Team Challenge | Take Steps | Chapter Events Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America | www.ccfa.org 888.MY.GUT.PAIN (888.694.8872)