FOUNDATION BOOSTS RESEARCH FUNDING IN SEARCH FOR CURE

2005 Research Awards Increase by More than Forty Percent

New York, NY - (June 14, 2005) – To accelerate progress towards the discovery of a cure, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) recently increased the funding of its research grants by more than forty percent. 

"We are facing a crisis in research funding," said Richard S. Blumberg, Chairman of CCFA's National Scientific Advisory Committee and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.  "The opportunities for making significant scientific advances in IBD research are greater than ever.  Yet, because of the federal budget deficit, we can expect that Congress will decrease research spending at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  Other than CCFA, the NIH is the major source of Crohn's and colitis research funding in the United States.  That's why it's vital that CCFA dramatically increase its investment in research."   

As the leader in the fight against these diseases, CCFA believes that this increase will encourage more talented young researchers to choose careers in the field, and will also attract top talent in related fields to the study of Crohn's and colitis.  This is the first step towards CCFA's goal of increasing research funding over the next few years to more than double the current level.  CCFA also regularly brings together internationally respected researchers in the field to develop research strategies and collaborations.

CCFA actively recruits talented investigators by funding basic and clinical projects for researchers at all stages of their career.  The foundation is also committed to sponsoring continuing professional education programs, such as grantwriting seminars, medical conferences and professional Webcasts.  To date, CCFA has dedicated more than $120 million to research that seeks the cause and cure of Crohn's and 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 the large intestine (colon) only.  Symptoms may include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, 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.  Up to 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from these diseases, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18.  Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.

For more information on CCFA's research awards program or to make a donation, visit www.ccfa.org or call 800-932-2423.

About CCFA:

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's (CCFA) mission is to cure and prevent Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through research, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support. More than 80 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs.  CCFA 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 CCFA at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org.
 
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Media Contact:

Danny Jovic
PFS Marketwyse on behalf of CCFA
973-812-8883, ext. 249
djovic@pfsmarketwyse.com