Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Release: Spring Into Action: Take Steps For Crohn's & Colitis Empowers, Connects And Funds Cures

NEW YORK, March 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Known collectively as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can be extremely isolating. Patients often feel alone, powerless and frightened. However, participating in Take Steps, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's national walk program can change that. 

"Take Steps allows patients suffering from IBD to connect with others and reduces the feeling of isolation," said Dr. Frank Sileo, licensed psychologist, award-winning author and IBD patient. 

"There is a real sense of community and solidarity at each Take Steps walk - especially when patients see the outcry of support through everyone's awareness and fundraising efforts.  As a patient, my participation with Take Steps helps me feel part of something bigger than my own disease.  I feel like I am taking back some control."

Thousands of people will gather this spring at 145 walk sites across the country to join the fight against Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The walks are family-friendly festivals with activities for everyone including: bands, games, activities, food and a leisurely walk through a park or community.  Take Steps has raised over $60 million for research and patient support services and is committed to transforming the lives of those impacted by these diseases and leading them to a brighter future through cutting-edge scientific research.

Becoming a part of the Take Steps family is life changing for many patients and their families.  Take Steps provides a host of tools and resources to make fundraising easy and fun.  While there is no fundraising minimum, anyone who raises $100, will receive a Take Steps T-shirt. Other great prizes are awarded as fundraising increases.

"Fundraising is easy," says Take Steps Team Captain Barbara Kaynan in this video. "The best advice I can give is to share your story. Once people understand why you are walking, they will be happy to support you. Even a small donation makes a difference."

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis which affect nearly 1 in 200 people - are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere along the digestive track, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, bleeding, fever, weight loss and fatigue. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery.  Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35, however the incidence is increasing in young people.

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is the largest voluntary non-profit health organization dedicated to finding cures for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). CCFA's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who suffer from 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. For more information, visit www.ccfa.org, call 888-694-8872, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ccfafb and www.facebook.com/ccfatakesteps, or follow CCFA and Take Steps on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ccfa and www.twitter.com/takesteps.

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SOURCE Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America