Marc Gillman and Saskia Madison.
SOUTH FLORIDA -- The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s (CCFA) Florida Chapter, announces the addition of two new Board members, and the welcoming of incoming President, Marc Gillman. Saskia Madison and attorney Stuart Ratzan will serve on the nonprofit’s governance board for three years.
Marc GIllman, and wife Sloane, Boca Raton residents, are all too familiar with the effects of Crohn’s disease. Their son, Brandon, was diagnosed with the disease at age 10. Since then, they have been tireless advocates, raising funds for CCFA through their work with the Book of Hope Luncheon, Take Steps Walk, Evening of Hope gala, and through numerous other efforts as well as years of Board service. Mr. Gillman graduated from Cornell University, School of Hotel Administration. He is the co-founder of the Mascott Corporation, which owns and operates top restaurant brands including Cinnabon, Smashburger, Carvel, Markers Restaurant, Noodles & Company, and Seattle’s Best Coffee. After a 20 year career in the hospitality industry he moved his family to the sunshine state and has been working in the Real Estate Industry.
“I am honored and excited to play and even bigger role within CCFA,” said Gillman. “My wife and I have vowed to do all we can to help find a cure for these debilitating diseases in our son’s lifetime. I am excited about my new role and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
Named the 2013 “Florida Super Lawyer” in the category of personal injury plaintiff: medical malpractice by Florida Super Lawyers Magazine, and a “Top Lawyer” by South Florida Legal Guide, Stuart Ratzan, a Miami resident, is the shareholder of Ratzan Law Group in Miami. Annually recognized by the South Florida Legal Guide, Florida Trend Magazine and Florida Super Lawyers as one of Florida's top attorneys, Ratzan has an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating available. Ratzan is also a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Active in legal and community organizations, Ratzan has received several awards from the Florida Justice Association in recognition of his fundraising efforts. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. and currently serves on the Executive Council of the Florida Bar Trial Lawyers Section.
Saskia Madison, a Ft. Lauderdale resident, is an active member with CCFA. Being afflicted with Crohn’s disease herself, she participates in the organization’s annual Take Steps Challenge, and recently ran for Team Challenge. The wife of former Miami Dolphin cornerback, Sam Madison, Saskia is a tireless advocate for CCFA, appearing on numerous news programs, newspapers and magazines to openly speak about her struggles with the disease and the invaluable research and support the Foundation gives to those afflicted. A former pharmacist, Saskia and her husband completed the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's Team Challenge Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon on July 21, 2013.
In 2013, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America funded over 15.5 million in research. As a result, in 2013, the foundation is provided support for more than 200 grants at some of the most respected research institutions in the country. In addition to numerous events throughout the year, CCFA hosts education seminars and support groups. For more information, please visit http://www.ccfa.org/chapters/florida/ or call (561) 218-2929.
