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Crohn's and Colitis of America Take Steps Walk

Walkers To Gather In Siesta Key To Raise Funds, Awareness of Digestive Diseases

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s Take Steps Walk Helps Improve Lives of Those Diagnosed

SARASOTA, FLORIDA – Stretch out your legs and get ready to hit the streets in support of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s annual Take Steps Walk. The Walk, a major fundraiser and awareness tool for the organization, is devoted to helping the millions of people nationally living with these debilitating digestive diseases. This year’s Sarasota walk will take place at Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2013.

Said Kathryn Arblaster of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America: “This walk not only helps raise awareness in our Sarasota community, but raises funds that go toward helping us fulfill our foundation’s mission to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It will also fund life-changing programs and services for the 1.4 million Americans suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.”

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The Sarasota 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 help change the lives of the thousands of people affected locally. In addition to the Walk festivities, there will be a kids zone with free food, drinks, musical entertainment and bounce house fun for the entire family.

There is no registration fee to participate, but walkers are encouraged to make a donation to receive an event wristband entitling them to food and beverages. Raise $100 and you will receive a Take Steps T-shirt. 

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“Everyone is welcome to be a part of this event, whether you are suffering from IBD or supporting someone who does,” Arblaster said. “We welcome everyone to sign up as an individual walker, team or sponsor. It is a perfect opportunity to reach out to friends, family and co-workers to come together to support this cause. To learn more about Sarasota Take Steps and register for the walk, please visit www.cctakesteps.org/sarasota. Thank you for your support.”

Sponsors of the event include Abbvie and Santarus. For more information about becoming involved in Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis, visit www.ccfa.org/chapters/florida or call 561-218-2929.

 

 

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 5 years, CCFA’s Take Steps Walk has raised over $40 million for research and patient service programs. The goal is even higher in 2013. 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.  Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America:
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, with more than 82 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including receiving the highest rating from the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org), and also has received a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator. For more information, please contact the Foundation at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org.

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