Atlanta Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis Walk June 9

Atlanta Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis walk is Saturday, June 9 at the Georgia World Congress Center’s International Plaza. Registration and fun begin at 4 pm and the walk will step off at 5 pm.

The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Georgia Chapter's 21st Annual Torch Gala was held earlier this year at the . According to officials with the foundation, many of its supporters reside right here in Buckhead.

In just five years, Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis, the nation’s largest walk program dedicated to raising funds and awareness for digestive diseases, is now in all fifty US states raising essential funds and awareness for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis — two chronic, painful digestive diseases that affect 1 in 200 American adults and children.

 “We are so proud of the progress our Take Steps program has made over the past five years, Take Steps Walks have raised over $30 million for research and patient support services,” said Richard Geswell, President of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. “It’s the Foundation’s largest fundraising program and is fueling critical research that is getting us closer and closer to cures.”

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis 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, rectal 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.

This year’s honored hero is Sean Hajra, an 11-year-old who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age four. "My friends, family and doctor have walked with me the last two years. We made team shirts that read: TEAM HAJRA-Let’s Knock the Crap out of Crohn’s," said Hajra. "This is a fun day and an opportunity for the community to learn more about Crohn’s and Colitis."

Last year, Take Steps in Atlanta raised $180,000, and the goal for 2012 is $215,800.

Many patients feel that they are alone in their struggle with IBD, not knowing how to explain to others what they go through. Take Steps provides the perfect environment for patients and their families to come together and know they are not alone in this fight. The night is filled with music, food, kids activities, local entertainment and most importantly the company of hundreds of people who truly understand the impacts of IBD.

To join them in their efforts in creating a future free from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis – register today at www.cctakesteps.org/atlanta.