Press Releases
Train to Run or Walk through Wine Country and Find Cures for Digestive Diseases
Crohn’s & Colitis Team Challenge Helps Make Dreams a Reality
New York, New York, December 24, 2007 – The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation today announced the kick-off of its winter recruitment season for Crohn’s & Colitis Team Challenge. This half marathon training program equips you with everything you need to cross the finish line at the Napa to Sonoma Half Country Half Marathon and raise critical research dollars for the 1.4 million Americans living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two painful and unpredictable diseases of the digestive tract. In exchange for your commitment to fundraising, the Foundation provides transportation to Napa Valley, full accommodations, race entry fees, and admission to entertainment and events. Weekend highlights include a pre-race pasta party at a vineyard and a victory celebration after the race with music, fun, and friends.
“The program helps people accomplish personal goals while helping others,” says Staci Brown, National Events Director for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. “Whether it be to get in shape for the new year, to meet new friends, or to travel someplace they’ve been dreaming about.”
Whether you have completed a half marathon or a mile, the program provides professional training for all involved. If you don’t live near one of the program’s training sites, you will receive the same benefits as a member of our National team and communicate with coaches, staff, and team members over the phone and online. Either way, the program will train you to run or walk over approximately 16 weeks while equipping you with the necessary training-specific information in order to succeed on race day and beyond.
When you sign up for Team Challenge, you’ll be given access to cutting-edge fundraising tools, including a free Web page where supporters may donate online, as well as fundraising support, advice and assistance. All to help patients win their battle with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
While running or walking through the 13.1 miles of rolling vineyards, you will take in the fresh smell of grapes and unbelievable views—and have free time throughout race weekend to explore wine country.
At information meetings across the country, you can meet a coach, talk to a Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation staff person, and learn more about how you can help bring hope and support advanced research in the battle against Crohn’s and colitis. Visit www.ccteamchallenge.org for meeting times, locations, and more information.
About the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon
Participants will walk and run through rolling vineyards on one of the most beautiful courses in the country. Along the way, you will enjoy breath-taking vistas of the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area, the San Pablo Bay and Mt. Tamalpais. The fresh smell of grapes, the unbelievable views, the relaxed and festive atmosphere….the experience of a lifetime awaits.
About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable chronic illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery. These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.
About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, and more than 83 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org). For more information, contact the Foundation at 800-932-2423 or visit
www.ccfa.org.
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