I have decided to make a difference in the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. I personally have ulcerative colitis and have had to be particularly careful during this pandemic due to immunosuppressive medications.

With active ulcerative colitis, the first thing I did when I entered a new place was to note the location of the bathroom. Car rides were always a gamble, even just a commute from work. I’ve had to leave weddings early, stay at the hotel on vacation, listen to my favorite bands from the bathroom. Arcade Fire sounds surprisingly good from a port-a-potty. The medications I’ve been on have worked for a few years, a few months, and not at all. They’re expensive; one medication I need to refill now is $874 for 90 days – it’s a generic. The special biologic medications (Entyvio, Remicade, Xeljanz) list as $10,000+ on my insurance benefits forms – thankful I have insurance and the ability to pay for my medications. I have friends the same age that have had it worse. I’m currently feeling well on Xeljanz, but expect that it will stop working at some point. New medications and knowledge are needed for treating IBD. 

During the week of July 10, I will participate in the "Parks & Trails New York's 24th Annual Bike Tour" (https://www.ptny.org/cycle-the-erie-canal/annual-bike-tour). This 375-mile ride from Buffalo to Albany will occur over 8 days with overnight stops approximately every 50 miles. This will be a big undertaking, but it will all be worth it because your donations will not only motivate me to the finish, but they will help us get closer to the cure. I’m asking for you to donate what you can to The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation for support of patients with IBD and to fund research on the diseases.

Won’t you please consider a donation today?

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.