Steve and Dora Rubin. SOUTH FLORIDA -  (September 19, 2012) It was 15 years ago when Dora Rubin was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. She knew right away that as soon as she was well enoughshe wanted to do something to prevent this disease from affecting others, a disease that had already touched a number of her friends and loved ones. Dora and her husband, Steve, became involved with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America’s  local chapter and worked tirelessly to support their events, outreach, and fundraising goals.
 
“These diseases are ones that people know by name but really do not know much about,” said Dora Rubin. “My goal is, and was from the start, to help create awareness for these digestive diseases and to help raise monies to find a cure.”
 
Today, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America has recognized the incredible support the Rubin’s have dedicated to the organization and are proud to name them the recipients of the Hope Award at this year’s  An Evening of Hope. “The Hope Award is given each year to an individual or family who gives hope and inspiration to those suffering from Crohn’s and colitis,” said Amy Gray, executive director of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s Florida Chapter. “The Rubin’s  have provided incredible support to our organization through their efforts over the years. This recognition is our way of saying thank you for their steadfast dedication to our mission and tireless efforts to help find a cure .”
 
In addition to Dora  sitting on the Florida Chapter Board of Trustees, the Rubin’s have played a key role in the efforts of the CCFA’s Keymorada Invitational Fishing Tournament, and other events in South Florida.
 
Steve Rubin is the executive vice president and a director of OPKO Health, Inc., a multi-national biopharmaceutical and diagnostics company. Dora Rubin has served as Associate General Counsel of IVAX Corporation for six years and prior to that she was a partner in the Corporate Department of Stearns Weaver Miller, et. al.
 
An Evening of Hope will take place on November 16th at the Hollywood Beach Marriott. Festivities begin at 7:00 p.m. and will include a cocktail reception where guests will be treated to world-class cuisine and libations from some of the areas top restaurants including Anthony’s Runway 84, Latitudes, Blue Ginger, Culinary School at Ft. Lauderdale Art Institute, and Johnson & Wales Culinary School. From there guests will enter the ballroom that has been transformed into a high-end casino. An elegant seated dinner, musical entertainment, and a chance to try their luck at the many casino tables will follow. Guests can also take a chance in the live or silent auctions, whichwill feature items such as jewelry and fabulous vacation packages.
 
Susan Gringauz and Craig Konhauzer are chairs of this incredible event that raises funds to support research, educationalprograms, summer camps, support groups, and more for children and adults affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  Additionally, funds raised will help to support the Widom Family Research Scholar Award. The Award, a three-year study of the immune system and bowel disease, is being conducted at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
 
Tickets for An Evening of Hope are $250 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more informationvisit www.ccfa.org/chapters/florida or call 561-218-2929.
 
About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attackanywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery.  These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18.  Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.
 
About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, with more than 79 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes tomission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy ( www.charitywatch.org ). For more information, contact the Foundation at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org. Join CCFA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ccfafb andfollow CCFA and Take Steps on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ccfa and www.twitter.com/takesteps.