Press Contact:
Ariella Levine
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
646-943-7430
alevine@ccfa.org
New York, New York – January 8, 2008 – Over 1.4 million
Americans suffer from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, two painful and
unpredictable chronic digestive diseases. Sarah Levin Weiss, a 28-year-old
Cleveland-area resident who has been living with Crohn's since early childhood,
will appear live on NBC's 'Today Show' on Wednesday, January 9 in conjunction
with the morning show's three-part series on chronic illness. As one of five
extraordinary people chronicled in a moving new book, 'Strong at the Broken
Places' by multiple-sclerosis sufferer and Emmy-award winning journalist,
Richard M. Cohen, she will talk about her confrontation with the disease and
her experience sharing her story for the book, which paints a first-hand
portrait on life with chronic illness.
Officially diagnosed at age 15, Weiss soon underwent surgery to remove her
colon but despite her pain, continued to show determination, courage, and
strength in all that she did. For years, she's been an active member of the
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, spearheading support initiatives and taking
part in advocacy in the community and around the country. From advocating for
disease-specific legislation on Capitol Hill to starting a camp for children
and their families living with digestive diseases, Weiss has turned her pain
into a way to help others.
"The book chronicles the many challenges I faced living since childhood
with chronic disease," says Weiss. "Despite those challenges and struggles, I
have been able to accomplish much of what I have set out to do. It took the
support of family and friends, and lots of inner strength that I sometimes
didn't even know I had."
Support and strength has come from near and far, in many shapes and forms. Most
recently, Weiss' father, Paul Levin, who serves as the Chapter's current board
president, raised over $9,000 for the Foundation through its half marathon
training program, Crohn's & Colitis Team Challenge
(www.ccteamchallenge.org). He's set to complete the ING Miami Half Marathon on
January 27 in her honor.
"Now I can give back that strength to others who have suffered, as an advocate
for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and for people with chronic disease
and as a social worker," Levin Weiss continues. "Most importantly, I have shown
the world that I can live a happy, normal life. I want to be an example to
others with chronic disease. If I did it, then they can do it too."
Disease-specific education, treatment, and support information can be accessed
by patients and their loved ones via 1.888.MY.GUT PAIN and online chat at www.ccfa.org.
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
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation'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, and more than 83 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 .
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