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Take Steps Walk for Crohn's and Colitis

Hundreds of walkers are preparing to lace up their sneakers and begin their fundraising to fight digestive diseases in the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s annual Take Steps Walk. The Walk, which will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 4:00 pm at Lake Lily Park in Orlando, is an important part of the efforts CCFA makes to create awareness and raise funds to support the thousands of people suffering from digestive diseases. 
“Crohn’s disease, colitis, and other digestive diseases are on the rise in individuals across the Country,” said Dr. Matt Leavitt, board chair for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s central Florida chapter. “Today one in every 200 individuals – many being children, teens, and young adults – has been diagnosed with a digestive disease. Funds raised at these Walks are an integral part in efforts to fund research, educational programs, even treatment for some. I encourage the community to learn more about the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America through this event. There are a number of ways they can make an impact.“
The Orlando walk is part of more than 100 Take Steps walks that are taking place across the Country to support the more than 1.4 million Americans (94,000 in Florida) that are affected by digestive diseases.  Supporters are encouraged to create a team and make a difference in the countless number of lives in their community. 
A special part of the Take Steps Walk is the celebration of the honored hero. The Orlando Take Steps Honored Hero is 8-year-old Ryan. Ryan was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease last Spring and has made the best of his diagnosis. Ryan is honored to be chosen for this role so he can help others children who are living with digestive diseases and to help create awareness to find a cure.
In addition to the walk, a pre-event concert will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lake Lily Park. All are welcome to enjoy live music from local bands, Speed Limit 70, Back from the Ashes, East Coast Rock and the Oviedo School of Rock. Entry into the concert is $15 per person and all funds raised will help support the Orlando Take Steps Walk. Those in attendance for the festival at 4pm will also be able to enjoy a kid’s zone with free food, drinks and bounce house fun. For more information on the pre-event concert visit please http://online.ccfa.org/2013orlandotakestepsconcert.

About Take Steps

At over 100 Walk sites across the country, thousands of people will gather to join the fight against Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Together we'll raise money for crucial research and raise awareness of these painful and unpredictable digestive diseases that afflict millions of people. After only three years, CCFA's Take Steps Walk has raised over $20 million for research and patient service programs. Our goal is even higher in 2011. We're committed to help transform the lives of those impacted by these diseases to one of a brighter future based on well-funded, cutting-edge scientific research. Join us now -- register today and take a step toward a future free from Crohn's and colitis!

About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, 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 hospitalization and surgery.  These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18.  Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.

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