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Published: April 17 2013

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL. – Hundreds of walkers are preparing to lace up their sneakers and begin their fundraising to fight digestive diseases in the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's annual Take Steps Walk. The Walk, which will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 6:00 pm at Arts Park at Hollywood Young Circle, is an important part of the efforts the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) makes to create awareness and raise funds to support the thousands of people suffering from digestive diseases.

"Crohn's disease, colitis, and other digestive diseases are on the rise in individuals across the Country," said Craig Konhauzer, president of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's Florida Chapter Board of Directors. "The disease has affected my family. And, with one in every 200 individuals being diagnosed with a digestive disease, I am sure it has also impacted many others here in our community. I encourage the community to support CCFA by participating in this event. Funds raised at this Walk play an integral part in efforts to fund research, educational programs, even treatment for some. Please take a moment to learn more about the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation through this event. There are a number of ways you can make an impact."

Grand Marshall of the event is Brittany Oldehoff, Miss Ft. Lauderdale 2013. Brittany is best known for her appearance as a model on season 7 of Project Runway. The Ft. Lauderdale walk is part of more than 100 Take Steps walks that are taking place across the Country to support the more than 1.4 million Americans (94,000 in Florida) that are affected by digestive diseases. Supporters are encouraged to create a team and make a difference. In addition to the Walk festivities, there will be a kids zone with free food, drinks, musical entertainment and bounce house fun for the entire family.
Co-chairs of the event are Craig Konhauzer and Susan Gringauz. Memorial Hospital West Medical Staff; Digestive Care; Shuham & Shuham, P.A.; Farmer, Jaffe, Weissing, Edwards, Fistos Lehrman; Healthcare Appraisers; South Broward Endoscopyare sponsors of this event. For more information about becoming involved in the Take Steps Ft. Lauderdale Walk, or to learn more about the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, please visit www.ccfa.org/chapters/florida or call 561-218-2929.

About Take Steps
At over 100 Walk sites across the country, thousands of people will gather to join the fight against Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Together we'll raise money for crucial research and raise awareness of these painful and unpredictable digestive diseases that afflict millions of people. After only three years, CCFA's Take Steps Walk has raised over $20 million for research and patient service programs. Our goal is even higher in 2011. We're committed to help transform the lives of those impacted by these diseases to one of a brighter future based on well-funded, cutting-edge scientific research. Join us now -- register today and take a step toward a future free from Crohn's and colitis!

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 attack anywhere 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 to mission-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 (charitywatch.org). For more information, contact the Foundation at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org.