Walkers Hit Pavement to Raise Awareness over Digestive Diseases

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, April 27, 2013 at 4:00 pm at Lake Lily Park in Orlando, is an important part of the efforts 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 County,” said Dr. Matt Leavitt, board chair for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s central Florida chapter. “Today one in every 200 individuals – many being children, teens, and young adults – has been diagnosed with a digestive disease. Funds raised at these Walks are an integral part in efforts to fund research, educational programs, even treatment for some. I encourage the community to learn more about the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America through this event. There are a number of ways they can make an impact.“

The Orlando 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 the countless number of lives in their community. In addition to the Walk festivities, there will be a kids zone with free food, drinks, musical entertainment and bounce house fun.

A special part of the Take Steps Walk is the celebration of the honored hero. The Orlando Take Steps Honored Hero is 8-year-old Ryan. Ryan was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease last Spring and has made the best of his diagnosis. Ryan is honored to be chosen for this role so he can help others children who are living with digestive diseases and to help create awareness to find a cure.

Registered teams, and those who are interested in registering are invited to a fun-filled kick-off event on Thursday, February 28, 2013 from 6:30 – 8:30pm at Truffles Grill in Winter Park Village. Registrants will enjoy a complimentary drink and appetizers while supporting the efforts of the Take Steps Orlando teams. To RSVP for the kick-off, please contact [email protected].

Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, David Maus Foundation, Florida Hospital for Children, Shafran Gastroenterology Center, Center for Digestive Health & Endoscopy, and Ashar Group, LLC Life Settlement Specialists are sponsors of the 2013 Orlando Take Steps Walk. For more information about becoming involved in Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis, visit www.ccfa.org/chapters/florida or call (646) 203-1214.