Dear Friends and Family,
I would like to inform you that I have joined with Team Challenge, a fundraising program for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), for a challenge unlike any other I have done before. I have decided to train to run/walk my first half marathon (13.1 miles) and fundraise $5,800 to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. This is a challenge in many ways for me and it will require determination, dedication and much strength. I will run/walk the Kona Half Marathon with my sister Heather on June 28th, 2009.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are known together as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. It is estimated that 1.4 million Americans have IBD, however many suffer in silence. About 5 percent of people with ulcerative colitis develop colon cancer. The risk of cancer increases with the duration of the disease and how much the colon has been damaged. However, if the entire colon is involved, the risk of cancer may be as much as 32 times the normal rate.
CCFA has become the largest organization dedicated to curing IBD. The Foundation invests dollars wisely, funding the highest quality IBD research anywhere in the world. The funds raised through Team Challenge directly benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America to support its mission to find a cure and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases.
I will be running, along with my sister, in honor of my father, Alan Davis. My dad was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when he was only 32 years old. It seems so young to me, but this disease actually can affect those as young as 15 years old! My dad has lived for 14 years with U.C. and my family and I have watched him suffer during this time. He had to go through weight losses, "flare ups," and took many medications. U.C. is a painful and often embarrassing disease. After 14 years of suffering, my father was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in August of 2008. He was only 46 years old. As can be expected, this was a blow to our family and we have been deeply saddened. He has undergone surgery to remove his entire colon and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
While we are hopeful for his recovery, I feel that this marathon is something I can do to help others who may be suffering as well. But I can't do this alone - I need your help! Please consider supporting me in my effort by making a tax deductible donation to CCFA. Any amount will help me reach my goal. You can donate online to my fundraising website at www.active.com/donate/
My father turns 47 years old on the 2nd of April. While I can fundraise up to the marathon date, I would love to be able to tell him then that I have reached my fundraising goal! Please help me reach my goal and help me make a difference!!
With MUCH gratitude and appreciation,
Valerie Davis Barber
P.S. If you are thinking about donating and you know my sister as well, please visit both of our websites and consider splitting your donation. Thank you! Heather's website: http://www.active.com/donate/
2 comments:
Hey will you send me your email so I can invite you to our blog! Hope you guys are doing well! anniezreagan@gmail.com
Never mind I already have it. :)
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