Take Steps For Crohns & Colitis Celebrates Five Years Of Raising Awareness And Funds For IBD

Aug. 9, 2012 - PRLog -- Bend, OR, August 9th 2012 –   In just five years,  Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis,  the nation’s largest walk program dedicated to raising funds and awareness for digestive diseases, is now in all fifty US states raising essential funds and awareness for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis -- two chronic, painful digestive diseases that affect 1 in 200 American adults and children.

“We are so proud of the progress our Take Steps program has made over the past five years,” said Richard Geswell, President of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. “It’s the Foundation’s largest fundraising program and is fueling critical research that is getting us closer and closer to cures.”

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere along the digestive track, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever, weight loss and fatigue. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery.  Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35; however the incidence is increasing in young people.

Take Steps is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s national walk program to raise money for critical research and awareness about these painful and unpredictable digestive diseases.  Thousands of people will gather this spring and summer at 158 walk sites across the country to join the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The walks are family friendly festivals with activities for everyone including bands, games, activities, food and a leisurely walk through a park.  Take Steps Walks have raised over $30 million for research and patient support services. The program is committed to transforming the lives of those impacted by these diseases and leading them to a brighter future through well-funded, cutting-edge scientific research. Join us in this effort –register today at www.cctakesteps.org and take a step toward a future free from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Take Steps is FREE to join and participants are asked to raise critical funds that will help find a cure. Participants enjoy a casual 2 mile walk through scenic Riverbend Park along the Deschutes River in Bend. In addition to the walk, Take Steps is a fun event filled with entertainment, food and excitement for the entire family to enjoy. Take Steps Bend’s 2012 goal is to raise more than $16,000 for important IBD research and patient programs!

How to get involved and support the cause!

*Register today - online at www.cctakesteps.org/Bend or call Shawn Skinner at
646-670-7345!
*Form a team - One of the most rewarding ways to participate in Take Steps is to
form a team and recruit family, friends and coworkers to participate and raise funds.
*Start fundraising - Once registered, send out emails and letters telling your friends
and family WHY you are walking and how they can support your efforts!
*Plan a fundraising event - It’s a great reason to have a party and the perfect way
to raise funds and awareness. Popular fundraising events include: backyard BBQs,
car washes, garage sales, wine tastings & auctions, raffles and bake sales!

Become a Corporate Partner - Local and regional partnership opportunities include sponsorships and corporate teams and allow companies to gain great exposure while
supporting Take Steps and the local IBD community.

For more information please visit our website, www.cctakesteps.org/Bend or contact Shawn Skinner at (646) 670-7345 or sskinner@ccfa.org