Iron Marco attempts to do Ironman 70.3 Maine under 5 Hours while fighting for the cure for Crohn's and Colitis
Bike
20 years ago I was diagnosed with indeterminable Chrohn's/Colitis. Since then I have battled with the disease every day, always worring if and when the next crisis would occur. This became debilitating at times; to the point I was afraid to bring the kids to the park on my own, for fear that I would have a washroom emergency. In 2001, I was fortunate to meet Dr Wild, who is the head of the IBD Research Clinic at McGill and The Montreal General Hospital. He allowed me to participate in medical trials of new anti-TNF medications that were designed to relieve the symptons and improve quality of life. It started with Remicade, then Humira and now Stellara, where all 3 are now approved and used world wide. Each medication got better, more effective and illiminated all symptons for me, to the point that I have actual tissue healing and regeneration in my colon. This would not be possible without the support of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.
Thanks to all of the hard work from everyone involved in finding a cure one day, I can live a full and balanced life which includes Triathlon and Ironman.
Now it's time I give back! I have decided to make a difference in the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. On August 25,2019 I will participate in the Ironman 70.3 Maine. This will not be my first 70.3, and it wil be my 2nd in Old Orchard Maine, but this will be a big undertaking as I am trying to finish under 5 hours. Your donations will not only motivate me to the finish under 5 hours, but they will help us get closer to the cure. My goal is to raise at least $3000 USD or $4000 CAD, Would you please consider a donation today? Because I m raising money for the American Crohns & Colitis Foundation, all donations made are in USD. Tax receipts will only be issued to US based people and organizations.
About Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Known collectively as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affects almost 1 in 100 people. They are painful, medically incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere along the digestive tract, 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 numerous hospitalizations and surgery. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35; however the incidence is increasing in children.
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is the largest non-profit, voluntary, health organization dedicated to finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The Foundation’s mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who are affected by these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research; providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public; and furnishing supportive services for those afflicted with IBD.
