Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America Searching for 'Local Heroes'.Health Writers & Feature Editors NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 25, 2002 The Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA CCFA Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America CCFA Comité des Constructeurs Français d'Automobiles (French Automobile Manufacturers Committee) CCFA China Chain Store & Franchise Association CCFA Chambre de Commerce Franco-Arabe ), in partnership with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has announced the kick-off of the second annual Local Hero Patient Celebration Program. CCFA is currently accepting nominations for the Local Hero program, which honors young individuals between the ages of 7 and 17 who have shown courage and determination while living with Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis ulcerative colitis Inflammation of the colon, especially of its mucous membranes. The inflamed membranes develop patches of tiny ulcers, and the diarrhea contains blood and mucus. (collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease inflammatory bowel disease n. Abbr. IBD Any of several incurable and debilitating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by inflammation and obstruction of parts of the intestine. or IBD IBD abbr. inflammatory bowel disease Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Disease in which the lining of the intestine becomes inflamed. Mentioned in: Amebiasis IBD 1. ). Applications are available through the CCFA website (www.ccfa.org), local CCFA chapters, participating practicing gastroenterology gastroenterology Medical specialty dealing with digestion and the digestive system. In the 17th century Jan Baptista van Helmont conducted the first scientific studies in the field; William Beaumont published his own observations in 1833. physician offices, CCFAs Camps Across America program, or by calling 800-932-2423. The application deadline is Sept. 6, 2002. Any individual with Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis is eligible to apply. Applicants can nominate themselves, or be nominated by their physician, CCFA chapter, other patients, friends or family members. A judging panel composed of physicians, IBD patients and a CCFA representative will select finalists and winners. Judges will base their scores on a number of criteria including service to the community, academic, athletic or extracurricular achievement, active lifestyle and positive attitude. Two grand-prize winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip to New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. for themselves and their parents or guardians to be honored at the CCFA Annual Meeting, which takes place Nov. 16, 2002. Through the Local Heroes, we recognize and celebrate young people who live active, productive lives despite the challenges presented to them by IBD. These diseases can be both physically and emotionally devastating dev·as·tate tr.v. dev·as·tat·ed, dev·as·tat·ing, dev·as·tates 1. To lay waste; destroy. 2. To overwhelm; confound; stun: was devastated by the rude remark. , especially to kids. All of our applicants and winners serve as role models for those who suffer from these illnesses, said Rodger L. DeRose, CCFAs President and Chief Executive Officer. Solvay Pharmaceuticals is proud to sponsor this wonderful program -- and even prouder of our Local Heroes, who have demonstrated such courage. We also hope that this program will further educate the public about these diseases and their treatments, added Harold Shlevin, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Solvay Pharmaceuticals, sponsor of Local Heroes. Ulcerative colitis attacks the large intestine large intestine End section of the intestine. It is about 5 ft (1.5 m) long, is wider than the small intestine, and has a smooth inner wall. In the first half, enzymes from the small intestine complete digestion, and bacteria produce many B vitamins and vitamin K. (colon), causing painful diarrhea, bleeding, and leading to numerous complications including colon cancer colon cancer, cancer of any part of the colon (often called the large intestine). Colon cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. . While medications control most symptoms, the only cure is surgical removal of the colon. Crohns disease is a painful, incurable illness that may inflame the small and large intestines and cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, weight loss and numerous complications such as bowel obstruction Bowel obstruction A blockage in the intestine which prevents the normal flow of waste down the length of the intestine. Mentioned in: Anal Atresia, Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis bowel obstruction and abscesses. The mission of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. is to cure and prevent Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis through research, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support. Known collectively as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), these painful, chronic illnesses affect up to 1 million Americans, including approximately 100,000 children under the age of 18. CCFA was founded in 1967. For more information call 800-932-2423 or visit the foundations web site at www.ccfa.org. Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (www.solvaypharmaceuticals-us.com) of Marietta, Georgia, is a research-based pharmaceuticals company, active in the therapeutic areas of cardiology, gastroenterology, mental health and womens health. It is a member of the worldwide Solvay S.A. chemical and pharmaceutical group, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. |
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