MEDIA ADVISORY

Media Contact:
Ariella Levine
646-943-7430
alevine@ccfa.org

Team Challenge Introduces Cycling Training Program Benefiting Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Virtual Informational Meetings Taking Place First Week in June
 
WHO: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced cyclists and past participants of the Team Challenge half marathon training program unite to raise awareness and funds to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, chronic and often debilitating digestive diseases affect over 1.4 million Americans.
 
WHAT: The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America launches Team Challenge Cycle, a cycling training program. Team Challenge Cycle participants will train and fundraise for the Centurion Canada 50 mile race on September 19, 2010 in the beautiful Blue Mountains of Ontario. Cyclists will be virtually coached by professional bicyclist Melissa Spooner, three-time Ironman champion, nutritionist, and accomplished coach.  For 14 weeks, Coach Spooner will hold interactive conference calls, providing tips and a daily training schedule for the participants and make certain that they are on the right path to completing the race. Those interested can learn more at an upcoming virtual informational conference call.
 
WHEN: Attend an upcoming informational conference call in June to learn the details of the program and how you can join Team Challenge in Canada this September! Informational conference call dates:
 
Wednesday, June 2, 8 pm EST
Friday, June 4, 1 pm EST
Monday, June 7, 6 pm EST
Tuesday, June 8, 3 pm EST
Thursday, June 10, 5:30 pm EST
 
WHERE: Call In: 866-740-1260, Passcode: 5478200
 
More information is available online at http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/Cycle_Training_Program.htm
 
WHY: To encourage the physical activity of individuals who participate and to raise awareness and funds for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.
 
About Crohn's Disease & 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 of America'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, with more than 79 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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