I did my first triathlon in 2008. The same year I first had issues with IBD. In 2019 I completed my first Ironman 70.3 in Madison, Wi. It was a major personal accomplishment and I want to achieve more. I want to race to make a difference! So, I decided to make a difference in the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. On June 21, 2020 I will participate in the IRONMAN 70.3 NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP DES MOINES. I have no doubt this will be a big undertaking, but it will all be worth it because your donations will help us get closer to the cure. Please consider a donation today!

 

Here is the short summary:
IBD is a “crappy” disease that affects many people including several of my family and friends. The odds are you know someone suffering with IBD.
CCFA is a great charity organization that puts 83% of all money raised directly into research.

 

Here are more details:
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.

 

Best regards and thank you!
Mike and Andrea Vastano