Hi guys!
On October 30th, I will be participating in spin4 Crohn’s & Colitis Cures, an indoor cycling relay to benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA).
The CCFA is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases are collectively known as IBD or inflammatory bowel disease and there is not cure (yet). Since the organization’s founding in 1967, the CCFA has funded over $285 million in research as well as 194 investigator-initiated research projects with an investment of $28 million in 2015.
I know I’ve told this story before on CNC, but it’s worth telling again to emphasize how important this type of research is to patients like myself. When my doctor was hired at MGH in 1996, the only drug options available for IBD patients were steroids and narcotics– both of which are harmful in the long-term. Today, there are so many more options– most which with fewer side effects and long-term risks– and they continue to grow every year. In fact, just a few years ago, Entyvio, the drug that finally put me into remission, wasn’t even available to patients. Fundraising helps to make this research possible, which is why I am so exciting to be part of the Boston spin4 event.
The first ever spin4 event launched last year in 9 cities across the country with 650 people in attendance raising nearly $400,000. This year, the indoor cycling relay will be held in over 20 cities for another round of bike parties, so be sure to see if the event is happening near you!
Obviously, IBD is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. More than 1.6 million patients across the country suffer from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, so I’m sure this disease has touched some of you personally too. Beyond raising money for research, spin4 will bring together the IBD community in a fun and motivating way. It’s a chance to celebrate our efforts of increasing awareness and raising funds by having a #partyonabike!
My personal goal is to raise $2,000+ to help find cures for IBD, and I need your help. Here’s how: I recently partnered with Teespring to create a tank top fundraiser to benefit the CCFA. (Tank top pictured below. It comes in black, blue, and green.)
Each tank top says: “Happy Hour Starts Now,” which, for me, often refers to the hour that I’m at CrossFit, KFIT, or running. Being physically active is such an important of my life, especially since being diagnosed with a chronic and sometimes debilitating disease. Over the years, there have been so many times that I was too sick to exercise. I actually remember being in such a bad flare that I couldn’t even leave my house long enough to walk Murphy around the block. At times, this disease has really kicked my butt, so I appreciate every second that I’m able to exercise. Working out is truly my happy hour.
This tank top also refers to another favorite in my life: Happy hour! You guys know how much I love a glass of wine and, of course, there’s nothing better than a good happy hour, so this tank covers a lot of bases. I mean, you could totally wear it to a bar after a workout, right?
When you purchase a tank top from Teespring, a portion of your money will cover the cost of the tank and printing, but all of the profits will go directly to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. The more shirts we sell, the more money we can give to the CCFA, so be sure to tell your friends or even buy more than one! 🙂
If you’d like to donate to the spin4 event and benefit the CCFA by buying a tank, you just need to order from Teespring. Pick your favorite color and shirt size and then click the “buy now” button. And please, please, PLEASE spread the word about this fundraiser. Those of us with IBD really appreciate it! <3
If you’re not interested in purchasing a tank top, but would still like to make a donation to my personal page to benefit the CCFA, here is the link. THANK YOU!