Guts and Glory 5K raises funds for Crohn’s and colitis cure – Press of Atlantic City

OCEAN CITY An estimated 1,000 people walked and ran in the Guts and Glory 5K Sunday morning, supporting research and treatment of Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis.

This years event honored a 12-year participant of the run/walk, 24-year-old Ashlynn Vanaria.

Vanaria was diagnosed with Crohns in fifth grade, having her whole world change with a restrictive diet, a series of medical tests and daily doses of medication.

Vanarias family has a vacation home in Ocean City and began participating in the Guts and Glory 5K in 2005, raising more than $50,000 over the years.

This year, Team Ashlynn came in fourth place for top team fundraisers, raising $3,820.

John Diedrich said he first heard about the race 11 years ago and thought it would be a good way to support his wife, Meredith, and his uncle, who both have forms of Crohns, colitis and irritable bowel disease.

The first year Diedrich ran by himself. Now, as the captain of Team4Mer, he and the nearly 150 team members helped raise more than $31,000.

For many years, people hid the fact that they had problems with their colon. I think now its becoming more acceptable and theres more education that people can rely on Diedrich said.

Tents with information about symptoms and living with the diseases were set up by the Crohns and Colitis Foundation and Shore Medical Center, along with family activities including face painting, balloon animals and healthy snacks.

The race works to not only educate those with the disease, but also to have fun, with team names such as Gutbusters and Team Tummy.

According to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation, the digestive diseases affect more than 1.6 million American adults and children.

The race, in its 24th year, has raised more than $3 million for the foundation, contributing toward research, treatment and an eventual cure.

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Guts and Glory 5K raises funds for Crohn's and colitis cure - Press of Atlantic City