Triangle CCFA Increases Fundraising Efforts to Meet Goal for June 18 Take Steps Walk

DURHAM, NC, June 16, 2011 (Press-News.org) Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are debilitating, uncured digestive illnesses that plague more and more Americans every year. Across the nation, local chapters of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) are raising money in an effort to aid those affected, and, ultimately, bring an end to the diseases. As part of this nationwide initiative, the Triangle Chapter of the CCFA is hosting their flagship 2011 fundraiser, the Triangle 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, is raising money for Crohn's and Colitis research through donations raised by walking participants.

With the event rapidly approaching, local chapter members are calling for increased fundraising from participants and donors in an effort to reach their goal of $80,000 for Crohn's and Colitis research. To date, the campaign has collected over $50,000. "The outpouring of donations thus far has been amazing," says Nicole Pielech, the Triangle CCFA Community Development Manager. "But there's still work to be done. We need to ramp up our efforts if we're going to reach our goal."

Those interested in helping make the Triangle Take Steps Walk a success can donate, volunteer, register as individual walkers, or join a walking team by visiting http://www.cctakesteps.org/raleigh. There is no registration fee or fundraising minimum, and all are welcome to contribute.

The Triangle Take Steps Walk's local honored heroes for 2011 are Reuben Gradsky, a data analyst and local support group leader, 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 by phone at (646) 300-2906 or by emailing npielech@ccfa.org. Those wishing to spread the word via social media should visit the Triangle CCFA Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/ld2E4T or follow the event 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."

Related Links:
http://www.cctakesteps.org/raleigh
http://twitter.com/TakeStepsRTP
http://on.fb.me/ld2E4T