Triangle CCFA Takes Steps for Crohn's & Colitis Research with June 18 Walk

DURHAM, NC, May 26, 2011 (Press-News.org) Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are debilitating and potentially fatal digestive illnesses that are becoming more common among Americans every year. Though recent decades have seen significant advancements in treatment, there is still a dire need for research that will advance therapy, and, ultimately, lead to cures. It is for this reason that the collective fundraising efforts of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America's local chapters, like the one based in the Triangle of North Carolina, are so vital.

The Triangle Chapter of the CCFA will host their flagship 2011 fundraiser, the Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis Walk, on June 18 at 5:00 p.m. The walk, which will start and finish at the Durham Bull's Athletic Park, raises money for Crohn's and Colitis research through donations made by sponsors of walking individuals and teams. To date, participants, volunteers, and donors are still needed in order for a successful walk that will fulfill the chapter's goal of $80,000 in funds raised.

Those interested in participating can register as individuals or as a team by visiting http://www.cctakesteps.org/raleigh. There is no registration fee or fundraising minimum. Volunteers and those seeking to donate should also visit http://www.cctakesteps.org/raleigh.

The Triangle Take Steps Walk's local honored heroes for 2011 are Reuben Gradsky, a Microsoft Certified Professional who has been living with Crohn's for over 20 years, and 9-year-old Gavin Cusack, who was diagnosed with Crohn's in October of 2010. Both heroes will be honored at the event.

For more information on the 2011 Triangle Take Steps Walk for Crohn's and Colitis, contact Nicole Pielech, the local CCFA Community Development Manager, by phone at (646) 300-2906 or by emailing npielech@ccfa.org. Those wishing to connect to the discussion surrounding the event on social media should visit the Triangle CCFA Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/ld2E4T or follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TakeStepsRTP.

About the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America:
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It was founded in 1967 by Irwin M. and Suzanne Rosenthal, William D. and Shelby Modell, and Henry D. Janowitz, M.D. Four decades ago, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation created the field of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis research. Today, the Foundation funds cutting-edge studies at major medical institutions, nurtures investigators at the early stages of their careers, and finances underdeveloped areas of research. Educational workshops and symposia, together with our scientific journal, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, enable medical professionals to keep pace with this rapidly growing field. No wonder the National Institutes of Health has commended the Foundation for "uniting the research community and strengthening IBD research."