I'm raising money for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America

Hello ladies!
I am taking on the challenge of participating in my first half marathon as a member of the Team Challenge for Crohn's & Colitis. And let me tell you... I am definitely not a runner! But I've dedicated myself to this event not to get good at running, but because I wanted to help the raise money Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.

My brother Tony was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis when he was 14 years old, although his pain really began when he was about 11. We were just kids, and no one really ever told me what was going on. I just knew that my brother was in pain all the time. I watched him struggle with all the doctors and tests for years without getting any answers, and there was nothing I could do for him. Then when they finally diagnosed him, the doctor told him the disease may kill him someday, and I watched as my outgoing, friendly and spirited younger brother turned inward. He became moody and angry and distant, and as the years went by his pain just kept getting worse and he had to take crazy amounts of medication to get thru the days. And still, there was nothing I could do but try to be there for him. (and try to keep him out of trouble!) Then at 19 years old his colon had become so diseased it wasn’t functioning anymore. He barely ate from the pain, and when they admitted him to the hospital he weighed less than 100 pounds. He had his colon removed and a new “pouch” made from his intestines to replace it, but it was a long and difficult process. All I could do was put on a fake smile and tell him it would all be fine as they wheeled him into surgery. And then again, on Christmas day, while he was lying in the hospital with a giant gaping hole in his body because his wound had become infected… there was nothing I could do but pretend everything was all right. In the end the surgery was a success though, and for the first time he could remember he felt great… Until 10 years later, when his pouch started having problems and the pain came back. We all held our breath as he had the surgeries re-done all over again. And still now, when he has to have a minor surgery every 6-8 weeks to keep his system functioning! I’ve been there on the sidelines for 20 years watching him go through this terrible struggle, all the while never knowing what I could do for him. Never really understanding what he was going through, I’ve felt weak and helpless compared to my brother’s strength and perseverance. Then I heard about the Team Challenge, and discovered all of the fantastic programs and support the Chrone’s & Colitis Foundation of America offers people… and now I know what I CAN do for Tony. I can support this organization that has helped develop the surgeries and procedures that saved my brothers life.

I have committed to raise a minimum of $2,400 in donations for the CCFA. The funds raised through Team Challenge directly benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation in support of its mission to find a cure and improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. Since its inception, CCFA has invested their dollars wisely, funding the highest-quality IBD research anywhere in the world. Help me help them! More than 80 cents of every dollar raised goes directly toward research, education, and support services.

I will take care of the training and 13.1 miles, but I need your help to reach my fundraising goal. To make a tax-deductible donation, please either 1) visit my website and make a contribution at http://tinyurl.com/AmandrewTeamChallenge or 2) write a check to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America or CCFA and mail it to me at 6232 Crossview Road, Seven Hills, OH 44131. Please make your donations by May 20th, my personal fundraising deadline. If your company matches charitable contributions or if you are interested in a corporate sponsorship, please contact me directly.

I hope that you will help me by making a donation to CCFA. There is no amount too small, or too big for this cause. Any contribution will be greatly appreciated by me and by all those who struggle with these diseases. I am personally pledging to donate 10% of my face painting profits between now and June 30th to the CCFA, and I know that with your support I will be able to raise the rest of the money needed to make a difference.

I want to sincerely thank you in advance for your donations and support of a cause that is very close to my heart. I will keep you informed of my training and fundraising progress as I run my way closer to Chicago and a cure!

With love and wishes for good health,
Amanda

Best of luck to you and your brother Honey. Very worthwhile cause!