Why Crohn’s?
Crohn’s affects an estimated 4 million people worldwide, including 1.2 million in the USA and around 250,000 in the UK. Recent reports show numbers are increasing, especially in children. Although it is widely spread, there is relatively little knowledge and awareness of this disease. I feel very strongly about this because people close to me are struggling with the disease, I see on a daily basis how urgently a cure for Crohn’s is needed.
What is Crohn’s?
Crohn’s disease is an aggressive and chronic form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, severely impacting the lifes of those affected. The cause of the disease is not understood and there is presently no cure. Treatments are aimed to suppressing the immune system, often with unwanted side effects and rarely successful in the long term. Major surgery is often inevitable, in some cases repeatedly.
Where do the funds go?
Based on the research from the Kings College London, there is strong evidence that a bacteria called Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) is one of the causes for Crohn's disease. A vaccine against MAP has been developed and has been successfully tested in animal studies. Now a trial in humans is needed to take the vaccine from lab to clinic. If this is as successful in humans as it is in animals then there is every chance it could cure Crohn’s for many of those effected.
The Kings College London needs to raise a fund of £300,000 to develop a reliable MAP test required to support the clinical trial of the vaccine. The funds I am raising are going directly to the research group of the Kings College London.
Donate now
Go to the fundraising page:
Where can I get further information?
For more details on the study and the vaccine look here on the Crohn’s Map vaccine website.
For more details on Crohn's disease look here on the CCFA website
Fundraising Events
Take Steps Event – May 2nd
Together with the ladies from my choir, I am taking part in the awareness walk “Take Steps”, organized by the Crohn’s and Colitis foundation America (CCFA) in Houston.
Kemah Texas Triathlon – April 12th
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