On Sunday, June 10, Dugan & Associates will join the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation for Pittsburgh Take Steps at North Shore Riverfront Park. This family-friendly event connects patients, families, healthcare providers, and various organizations while raising funds to support research on treatment and cures for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). Come join us!
IBD is a category of diseases that includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These chronic inflammatory diseases cause the immune system to react abnormally and mistake benign or beneficial cells and bacteria for foreign substances in the body. Although their symptoms are similar, the location of these diseases differs. Crohn's disease affects the gastrointestinal tract, while ulcerative colitis affects the colon.
About 1.4 million Americans are living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. These are chronic, life-long diseases that require constant treatment. Anyone can develop IBDs, but they are usually diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 30. Roughly 67% of individuals with Crohn's disease in remission will have at least one relapse within five years, while 30% of individuals with ulcerative colitis in remission will experience a relapse within a year.
About 60-75% of all Crohn's patients may require surgery at some point to correct complications of the disease. After surgery, symptoms can re-appear in 30% of patients within three years and up to 60% of patients within ten years. Management of the disease and its symptoms with surgery, medications, and other treatments is crucial for people who suffer from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
The non-profit, volunteer-driven Crohn's and Colitis Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and adults affected by both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. There are currently 38 chapters across the country to provide local and national support. Their areas of focus include research programs, education programs, support services, advocacy, quality of care, clinical trials community, and fundraising initiatives.
In 2008, the foundation launched Take Steps, one of their fundraising initiatives. This initiative is a way to connect 1.6 million Americans living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and accelerate research for IBD causes, treatments, and cures. The event has raised over $85 million dollars over the last decade and celebrates its 10 year anniversary this year.
On the day of the walk, Riverfront Park will feature live music, food, kid's entertainment, educational opportunities, and more! Participants are immersed in an environment of support, belonging, and community that will empower them to raise awareness about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and continue to fundraise for a cure.
This year, Pittsburgh Take Steps' goal is to raise at least $170,000 for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. Team Dugan hopes to raise $1,500 of the goal for the event. Visit Pittsburgh Take Steps to donate to Team Dugan or register today!
Details:
Date: Sunday, June 10, 2018 (Rain or Shine!)
Time: Check-in and Festival at 3 p.m.; Walk begins at 4 p.m.
Location: North Shore Riverfront Park
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