Charity Drive for Colitus

My beautiful wife, Amanda, has been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis this year.  She has not let the disease stop her reaching her goals. I'm so proud of her running marathons and now doing triathlons. This provides confidence in other people with the disease that they can do it too.  We would like to make a difference with combating this disease by raising money to complete my first Ironman and finding a cure so people like my wife can stop suffering.

There is 8 weeks until the big race and I need to raise another $1k to hit my goal of $10 per km of the race (226.

Fundraising page 

I thought I would use this time to tell you about what we are doing, what the $$ will help with.

What are we doing to raise the money?
I am pushing my body and mind to try and complete my first Ironman event on the 25th March 2012.
We are asking people to donate at least $1 and post on their facebook page for others to help.Amanda is also racing in all the Active Feet triathlons on Melbourne this season to show that you don't need to let Colitis rule your life. She is very brave and we must ensure she doesn't have a flair up of the disease.
We are also thinking about an auction event for Tri gear if we can get enough gear from companies. All ideas are welcome to help raise money.

What will the money help with?

Making Life More Liveable

The 2 best things that the money we are raising will go to are:

1. Kids Camps! The next one is in Vic. It's very exciting. We are giving all CCA members in Victoria aged between 13 and 18 the opportunity to enjoy a FREE adventure camp in Mout Martha, VIC. All meals, accommodation and activities are included. Held over the weekend from Friday 20th – Sun 22nd April, this is their chance to have a great time away with other teenagers who understand exactly what you’re going through.

2. Research and awareness. Most importantly continue contributing to research in the hope of finding a cure.

Please help by donating at least $1 at Fundraising page  You can register using your facebook account and then post your donation so your friends know and might donate too.

Further Details:

CCA do not receive any government funding, we rely heavily on the support of members, community groups and individuals such as you to help us support and empower those living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
It is likely that you or someone close to you is living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is estimated that approximately 61,000 Australians have IBD, with more being diagnosed each year. It is estimated that this number will rise a staggering 23% by 2020. The cause is unknown and at present there is no cure. IBD often develops between the ages of 15 and 30 but can start at any age.

With your support, CCA can continue to raise awareness of IBD in the community, and fund research to help find a cure for IBD. Your donation will help us provide members, their families and friends with information, counselling and support services.

With Crohn’s & ulcerative colitis, the lining of one or more parts of the gastrointestinal tract becomes inflamed. This can lead to symptoms that are embarrassing, painful, and can potentially lead to an early death due to complications. 47% of people diagnosed with IBD are at risk of a premature death due to complication from symptoms or treatments.

Symptoms can include debilitating pain in the abdomen, life threatening weight loss, frequent diarrhoea (sometimes with blood and mucus), tiredness, fever, mouth ulcer, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes and jaundice.

IBD is a chronic condition and currently there is no cure.

Scientists don’t know exactly what causes IBD. Further research is needed to discover the cause of IBD, and help find a cure. Part of the important work that Crohn’s & Colitis Australia™ conduct is to raise funds for such research.

There are currently 61,000 people affected by IBD and predicted to rise by 23% by 2020. The onset of the disease can arise at any age, however symptoms typically start to occur between 15-30 years. It is more prevalent than epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema or schizophrenia yet there is limited public awareness. Part of the role of Crohn’s & Colitis Australia™ is to raise the profile and understanding in the community of the issues faced by those suffering with these conditions.