"Take Steps" at Provident Bank Park for the Crohns & Colitis Foundation

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s (CCFA) Fairfield/Westchester Chapter will hold its annual Rockland County Walk “Take Steps” on starting at 11 a.m. Sunday at in Pomona.

The walk will honor local residents Kathleen Rattazzi with the 2014 Patient Honoree and Dr. Elliot A. Heller with the 2014 Physician Honoree.

Officials said Kathleen is an incredible young woman who has been dealing with ulcerative colitis since 2010. For the past 4 years, she has impressed her family and friends with her strength and tenacity, never allowing this ugly disease to slow her down. She has attended Camp Oasis for several years, where she had a blast making new friends and challenging herself to try new activities.

Dr. Heller has passionately served the IBD patients of Rockland and Orange County for many years and greatly enhanced the Foundation’s ability to serve the IBD population through his time on the Board of Directors and Chapter Medical Advisory Committee. He liberally donates his time and expertise at patient education events and played a critical role in the launch of the Rockland Take Steps program in 2011.

In addition to our honorees, the CCFA is excited to welcome comedian Robert Klein and Rockland County Executive, Ed Day. For more information, please visit www.CCTakesteps.org/rockland.

In its 4th year, the Walk for Crohn’s & Colitis will bring together more than 250 local residents affected by IBD with the hopes of raising more than $55,000. In addition to raising critical revenue, the event serves as a community outreach platform, aiding awareness and bringing together patients and their loved ones from all ages and backgrounds.