Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis



Dear Family and Friends,

I’m fundraising on the behalf of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation because I believe no one should have to deal with the fear, uncertainty, and pain caused by Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, also known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

As you know, my life has changed since my diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in June of 2009. I can vividly remember my first signs that something was not right. I was 25, living in New York, and finishing up my first year of grad school for elementary education. My symptoms started out gradually, but got worse fast. I yo-yo-ed between diarrhea and constipation. I remember feeling horrified when I saw blood in the toilet for the first time. After I saw a gastroenterologist and had my first colonoscopy, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. I barely knew what the diagnosis meant, but I remember feeling grateful that my problem had a name. Little did I know what a rocky road was ahead. Today, even without a colon, I'm still dealing with residual symptoms and new plumbing challenges. 

I'm not the only one. 1.6 million Americans have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Each year, 70,000 new cases of IBD are diagnosed in the US – that’s approximately 190 people every day hearing for the very first time that they have a chronic disease and there is no cure. 

I'm doing Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis because we have a chance to give hope to people with IBD. Your donation directly supports Take Steps and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. By investing in the best doctors and scientists, we will accelerate treatments to ease the day-to-day fight until the day comes when patients hear, “we have cured IBD.”

Will you support me by donating so together, we can make a difference?


All my best,
Stephanie 


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