One patients determination to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

Aug. 21, 2012 - PRLog -- One patient’s determination to find a cure for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Approximately 1.4 million Americans suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, also known as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.  To raise awareness and funds to support research for this chronic digestive disease, a fundraiser will be held at Eclipse Bank (3827 Shelbyville Road) at 7:00PM in Louisville on September 22, 2012. The event, Cupcakes and Cocktails, will be hosted by the Kentucky Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.

The cause for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is little known. Most people suffering from these diseases are diagnosed in their mid-30s. They may experience a loss of energy, appetite and weight. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools are symptoms caused by inflammation and ulceration. The lining of the colon ulcerates, producing pus and mucous. Symptoms may go into remission, but flare-ups are unpredictable. With proper treatment through medication and a good nutritional diet, people may manage the disease without surgery. By raising funds by organizations such as the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), research will continue to study the cause, develop other treatments, and find a cure for this debilitating disease.

Team Challenge, an endurance training and fitness program sponsored by CCFA, is one way to improve fitness while making a difference. Participants in Team Challenge can run or walk a half-marathon, train for a cycling event, or experience a sprint triathlon. Through a coach, people engage in   training programs to achieve a goal they thought would never be attainable. Training clinics provide education, mentors are available to provide support and advice, and lifelong friendships develop.

Christine and Pete Stavros (from Louisville, KY) know from personal experiences how Team Challenge can change lives. After six months of not feeling well, Christine was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in January 2006 by a colonoscopy. After being treated by several doctors, her disease was under control with medication after a year. Her husband, Pete, made her aware of Team Challenge which initially intimidated her. “I remember looking at the details about Team Challenge on the website for about a year trying to decide if I had it in me,” Christine said. The running and the fundraising goals were both challenging to meet. “My initial plan was to do it once and get on with my life knowing I had accomplished it,” Christine thought. Christine participated in the 2010 Team Challenge Napa event. She not only completed the run, but surpassed her fundraising goals by $1,000, raising $4,800. “After making wonderful friends and experiencing an awesome race weekend, I was hooked,” she added. Her connection and involvement increased over the years with Team Challenge, and she soon learned the importance of its support by another sudden turn of events.

In 2011, Pete became sick, had no appetite, and lost weight. Following a colonoscopy, Christine’s gastroenterologist, Dr. Gerald Dryden, diagnosed Pete with ulcerative colitis. Medications could not control the disease, and he was admitted into the hospital for more aggressive treatment. Pete had to undergo three surgeries over a ten-month period in order to stabilize his condition. Christine acknowledges the support of Team Challenge. “Having the support network was amazing when we went through everything with Pete’s health.” Pete ran this year in three races, known as the Triple Crown, plus a mini-marathon.

After taking a year off, Pete encouraged Christine to return to Team Challenge. She raised $2,640 for Vegas 2011 as a mentor and will participate in Napa 2012 this summer. Christine has also added Team Challenge Nashville on her goal list for September and will serve as a non-fundraising mentor; helping and encouraging other participants. She will return to Louisville that evening to attend Cupcakes and Cocktails.
Team Challenge has changed Christine’s life. “It has shown me physically what I’m capable of,” she said. “My training gave me the confidence to add running intervals, where in the past, I was a walker.” It also gave her the challenge of meeting and surpassing her fundraising goals. “If I meet the gold level in Napa, I’ll have raised nearly $13,500 in two years.” Christine has participated in a total of ten half-marathons since 2006.

While Christine’s love for Team Challenge has even more ties with her husband diagnosis, this year she has become a committee member of Cupcakes and Cocktails. “I realized my love for cupcakes too, so why not being a part of something fun while raising awareness about these diseases,” Christine states. “We will be participating in the Nashville Team Challenge half marathon the morning of September 22nd and then heading back to Louisville for the Cupcakes and Cocktails event that evening, I plan to bring friends I have met over the years through Team Challenge to this event.”
Those suffering with ulcerative colitis understand the need to raise funds for research. Cupcakes and Cocktails is one event where the community can gather to help support, and maybe one day, a cure will be found. Guest attending Cupcakes and Cocktails will enjoy signature cupcakes from four local bakeries competing for the best tasting and best presentation cupcake, signature cocktail sponsored by Brown Forman, live music, light hors d’oeuvers and an exclusive silent auction.

For additional information about Team Challenge and Cupcakes & Cocktails, please visit www.ccfa.org/chapters/kentucky or contact the Kentucky Chapter at (646) 623-2620