Meet Our 2004 Local Heroes!

CCFA is delighted to announce the winners of the 2004 Local Hero Patient Celebration Program. These awards are presented to young people between the ages of seven and 17 who have shown courage and determination while living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Now in its fourth year, the program is sponsored by CCFA in partnership with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The awards were presented at CCFA's 2004 Annual Meeting, held in New York on November 20, by Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready. During their all-expenses-paid trip to New York, the winners and their families enjoyed a night on the town, including dinner and a show.

When appropriate, Local Hero winners serve as spokespersons for various CCFA activities and programs. Among other activities, previous winners have spoken at CCFA chapter events and appeared at our first national advocacy conference in Washington, D.C.

And the Winners Are...

Catherine Wicker
Houston Gulf Coast/South Texas Chapter

Since being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis three years ago, eight-year old Catherine Wicker has led as full a life as can possibly be imagined. Catherine participates in Girl Scouts, her church choir, ballet, and the Austin Kids Marathon, setting an impressive example for anyone at any age. But in addition to leading an active life, Catherine has also taken an active approach to her disease. She is currently raising money for her sixth fundraiser for CCFA and has already organized three teams for the November Bowl-a-thon. She encouraged friends and neighbors to send letters to their legislators in support of the IBD Act and presented a signed petition to the Senators from Texas. Catherine also attended IBD Day on the Hill in Washington D.C. this past spring to advocate for the bill in person. Why does Catherine do this? "So no other kids have to live with this icky disease."

Elena Shaw
Southwest Chapter

In the last two years, Crohn's disease has stolen 150 days of school from Elena Shaw. But all that time in emergency rooms and hospital rooms gave Elena a great idea. Elena has gone on the offensive against her disease, starting a blanket company intended to raise money for research for a cure. Her Web site, searchforacure.net, features 100 different fleece blankets for sale, in addition to disease and treatment information, patient profiles, and many more IBD resources for kids and parents. Her company has raised $2000 for research in its first year. Elena feels better being involved and thinks that the important thing is to keep fighting. "I'd tell others to find out all they can and to get involved in the search for a cure," Elena says. "I don't see myself as a hero, just a kid with a fighting spirit."

Kids and teenagers across the U.S. submitted applications to the 2004 Local Hero Patient Celebration Program. Winners were chosen based on criteria including service to the community; academic, athletic, or extracurricular achievement; active lifestyle; and positive attitude. "We're proud to recognize and celebrate these extraordinary young people," said Rodger L. DeRose, CCFA's President and CEO. "Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can be both physically and emotionally devastating, especially to kids. All of our applicants and winners serve as role models for those who suffer from these illnesses." Our judging committee (see box below) noted that every child who applied had a deeply moving and compelling story. Every applicant receives a special certificate.

CCFA is deeply grateful to Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., for its support of this very special program. Applications for the 2005 Local Hero Patient Celebration Program will be available from May to September through CCFA's Web site, our local chapters, participating practicing gastroenterology physician offices, the CCFA Camps Across America program, or by calling 800-932-2423.