FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CCFA's JUMPING BLUE BEANS™
LEAP FOR A CURE
FOR CROHN'S DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS

MEDIA CONTACT:
Chris Faust
PFS Marketwyse on behalf of CCFA
973.812.8883 x231 - Office
973.906.5553 - Mobile
cfaust@pfsmarketwyse.com

NEW YORK, NY – (March 15, 2004) – The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) will hold its Jumping Blue Beans™ Skydiving Event on Saturday, April 3, 2004 at Skydive Jersey Shore located in Farmingdale, New Jersey.

Brave individuals are expected to descend from the skies above Skydive Jersey Shore as part of a fundraiser to help find a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Whether they are first-time skydivers or avid jumpers, all the participants will experience the adrenaline and excitement of free-falling 11,000 feet from the air.

"We are aggressively fighting to find a cure and to raise awareness for the estimated one million Americans who are living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis," said Roger Koman, vice president of new enterprises, CCFA. "We're especially proud of the patients who will be participating in this skydiving event. They prove that even with these incredibly challenging diseases, they have the courage to reach great heights – whether they are participating in challenging sports, succeeding at school or in their careers, or simply enjoying life with their family and friends."

The inspiration behind the Jumping Blue Beans™ came from Janelle Baliko (32), a patient who leapt from a plane to raise money for CCFA in 2003. "After my first skydive, I knew I would want to do it again and I thought what better way to raise money for CCFA?" Baliko said. "The foundation gives me hope. Even if I don't see a cure in my lifetime, I know the research CCFA is funding will yield a cure for future generations—maybe for the 100,000 children who are coping with these diseases right now."

The event is a fun-filled family affair, open to all who wish to skydive or support CCFA's cause. Skydivers' family and friends will share in the excitement, enjoying a relaxing day outdoors, while cheering jumpers as they land. In addition, there will be a competition among the jumpers and prizes will be awarded.

About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory diseases that attack the digestive system. Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon, while Crohn's disease can occur in both the small intestine and the colon. Symptoms may include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, rectal bleeding, fever, and weight loss. Children with these diseases may experience delayed growth and retarded sexual maturation. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are unpredictable illnesses. Some patients are able to control their symptoms with medications; others require frequent hospitalizations and surgery. CCFA offers comprehensive information about the diseases on its Web site, www.ccfa.org.

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)
Founded in 1967, the mission of CCFA is to cure and prevent Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through research, and to improve the quality of life for children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support. Of the one million Americans who suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Disease, approximately 100,000 are children under the age of 18.

To date, CCFA has invested nearly $250 million in research, patient education and support services. Chapters nationwide offer educational seminars and support groups. Nearly 82 cents of every dollar the foundation spends goes directly to research and education programs. CCFA consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, such as the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.

About Skydive Jersey Shore
Skydive Jersey Shore is a full-service skydiving school with jumpers ranging from beginner to professional. For more information about Skydive Jersey Shore, visit at www.skydivejerseyshore.com.

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