I Run 4 a Cause - Crohns and Colitis Disease

When I started this journey back in October 2011 in my first quest at running in an official Race of my life, I had no idea what to expect. I wass there along with hundreds of others, some competing, some veterans and some like me were there for the first time. I realize that if I’m going to continue to do this I must “run for a cause”. I ran my first race in November 2011 and been "running for a cause" ever since. Now "my cause" is the Crohn’s and Colitis Disease Association. I will be running my first Half Marathon race on December 2, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In this race the monies raised go to further research for this disease in finding a cure .

I’ve included an insert about this disease to give you more insight. I have since met several people whom have introduced themselves to me since learning about my adventure. I will list their names, bio's and a photo as we get closer to the race date.

To make a dontation for this cause please go to:
http://www.active.com/donate/HousLV12/Irun4acauseAJones47

Crohn's disease is the result of uncontrolled inflammation of the intestines and is quite diverse, to depending on the location of the inflammation and the severity of the disease. The most common location for Crohn's disease inflammation is the last portion of the small intestine, at the junction where it joins the large intestine, but Crohn's can involve any portion of the intestinal tract. Depending on the location, symptoms vary significantly, from diarrhea, bleeding and pain to no symptoms at all -- but the disease instead can manifest as anemia, malnutrition or failure to grow and to develop appropriately.

Many patients with Crohn's disease are diagnosed in their teenage years or young adulthood and have a milder and more limited form of the condition, which is managed easily with available safe and effective therapies. For those with more significant inflammation, more extensive bowel involvement, or the consequences of malnutrition or delayed growth and development, there have been substantial improvements in our treatments and our ability to monitor their effectiveness, and we have now entered an era of much better disease control and improved outcomes. In the last 10 years, there has been an explosion of scientific discoveries related to the genetic and environmental causes of Crohn's disease.

Now there is knowledge and tools necessary to be proactive with treatments that can stop disease progression, prevent relapses, avoid surgeries and significantly improve quality of life. As with other inflammatory diseases (asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis), early treatment and employing an effective maintenance strategy work much better than chasing symptoms and trying to catch up when the disease has progressed and caused damage.

A continued effort is made to look for a cure for this condition, but in the meantime, patients with Crohn's and Colitis disease, and those who care for patients with Crohn's and Colitis Disease, needs to know that this is a time of immense progress, great successes, and hope for a better tomorrow. And for those who are living in fear and living with ongoing active disease, be encouraged to learn more, to be part of the exciting progress that is being made, and to seek out expert care and advancements in treatment, so that you can, win the battle against this disease.

Crohn's disease means lifelong battle.     To make a dontation for this cause please go to:
http://www.active.com/donate/HousLV12/Irun4acauseAJones47