On September 19, 2021 I will participate in the Great Bristol Half Marathon to raise money for crohn's and colitis research. Crohn's disease is a chronic illness that has affected someone I love for over 20 years. When my brother was 9 years old he was diagnosed and has been fighting endlessly ever since. He has endured two invasive and very severe surgeries, through which over 2 feet of his small intestine was removed. I am so amazed by my brother, all he has been through, and everything he continues to do to battle this disease. Please consider donating to my cause and motivate me to cross the finish line! After several life events, I am not aiming for a specific time, but rather just trying to complete it... lol

Learn more about the race here: https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-bristol-run/

What is crohn's and colitis? Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis affects almost 1 in 100 people. They are painful, medically incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere along the digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever, and weight loss. Many patients require numerous hospitalizations and surgery. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35; however the incidence is increasing in children. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation is the largest non-profit, voluntary, health organization dedicated to finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The Foundation's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who are affected by these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research; providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public; and furnishing supportive services for those afflicted with IBD.