Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis walk doubles in size and fundraising – WSYR

LIVERPOOL (WSYR-TV) - As more people are diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis, the push for a cure is growing.

Saturday morning about 400 people joined the annual Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis walk at Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool.

That's more than double the turnout just last year.

Volunteers with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation say they also doubled their fundraising this year, topping a $30,000 goal.

"Our goal, obviously first and foremost is to get the word out so that people know what those diseases mean, so when they look around and see 300 plus people there to support them, they don't feel alone and isolated," says Eric Israel with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.

Organizers say many people don't understand the diseases because patients may be uncomfortable talking about them.

"I know a lot of people are sensitive to the subject. But here, it is normal. It affects people in different ways and you learn about them," says Sara Gunther, an ulcerative colitis patient who led a team of supporters in the walk.

Several people from NewsChannel 9 joined Tammy Palmer's team at the walk. She underwent J-pouch surgery when medication failed to treat her ulcerative colitis.

Follow this link:
Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis walk doubles in size and fundraising - WSYR