b"CHARITY OF THE MONTHTHE CROHNS & COLITIS FOUNDATIONT he Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is the largestThe events are family-friendly and are held in nearlyAfter an eight-month stretch of symptoms following voluntary non-profit health organization dedicated to100 communities across the country with activities formy senior year of high school, I was diagnosed with finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).everyone including games, music, and great food. FundsUlcerative Colitis in 2012 at the age of 18. Through Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis affect nearly 1 in 100raised through Take Steps will help transform the livesdietary changes and medicine, I was able to manage my people. They are painful, medically incurable diseasesof those impacted by these diseases and support thesymptoms and earn my degree in Sports Business from that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease mayFoundations critical research, education, and patientGrand Canyon University. Shortly after college, my dream attack anywhere along the digestive tract, while ulcerativesupport programs.of working on the business side of a professional sports colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptomsteam became a reality. Through the support of my friends, may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectalThe Greater Phoenix Take Steps event will be held atfamily, the Crohns and Colitis Foundation, and most bleeding, fever, and weightNeil G. Giuliano Park, 80 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.importantly my faith in the Lord, I strive to live life to loss. Many patients requireIn Tempe on Saturday, April 25th beginningthe fullest despite my challenges and refuse to let my IBD numerous hospitalizations andat 8:00 a. m. You can find more informationkeep me down. When I am not working, I love to travel surgery. Most people develop theat cctakesteps.org/ greaterphoenix2020. Thearound the world and spend time with my family. The diseases between the ages of 15Greater Phoenix Take Steps has committed toexperiences I have had and the people I have met along and 35; however, the incidence israising $90,000. this challenging journey of IBD has given me hope that increasing in children. even the hardest circumstances can be used for good and Take Steps is a special day for patients,that a cure is on the horizon, says Mr. Walker. The Foundations mission iscaregivers, and supporters. Along with raising to cure Crohn's disease andcrucial funds to combat IBD and improveFor more information, visit ulcerative colitis and to improvepatients quality of life, Take Steps is an event the quality of life of childrenfocused on the community with the belief thatcrohnscolitisfoundation.org, call and adults who suffer from thesewhen we band together in the fight against IBD,888-694-8872 or emaildiseases. The Foundation workswe can have a lasting effect on the lives of everyinfo@crohnscolitisfoundation.org to fulfill its mission by fundingperson diagnosed today and in the future.research, providing educationalThe Foundation is a recognized 501(c)(3) resources for patients and their families, medicalAustin Walker will serve as the Greater Phoenix Takeorganization. Of every dollar donated to the professionals, and the public, and furnishing supportiveSteps Honored Hero for the walk event. Mr. Walker hasFoundation, more than $0.80 is utilized by their services for those afflicted with IBD. committed his time and resources to generate revenuemission-critical programs: research, education, opportunities to support the estimated 3.1 millionand support. The Foundation consistently meets Take Steps is the Crohns & Colitis Foundations nationalAmerican adults and children living with Crohnsstandards established by the Better Business walk program. Take Steps events raise funds for mission- disease and ulcerative colitis. Mr. Walker has been veryBureau Wise Giving Alliance as well as other critical research and patient support programs and helpcourageous to share his story with others to connectcharity watchdog organizations and recently increase awareness of Crohns disease and ulcerativepatients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals andreceived a three-star rating from Charity Navigator.colitis, two painful and unpredictable digestive diseases.promote the foundation in its mission of finding a cure. ArizonaRealCountry.com April 2020 25"