FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE CROHN'S & COLITIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA FUELS THE WAY TO A CURE WITH THE CCFA POWER SPEEDWAY

Fundraising Event Helps Speed the Cure for Crohn's & Colitis

Media Contact:
Chris Faust
PFS Marketwyse on behalf of CCFA
(973) 812-8883 ext. 231
cfaust@pfsmarketwyse.com

New York, NY - (August 2, 2004) – The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is hosting its first Power Speedway fundraising event on Sunday, October 3, 2004 at the Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware. This unique fundraising event will offer fans and CCFA supporters the thrilling experience of driving or riding in an authentic NASCAR® Cup car, Busch® racing car or Craftsman® truck while braving 24-degree banking.

The funds raised through this adrenaline-filled, day-long event will support further research and improve the quality of life of the estimated one million Americans living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, including the estimated 100,000 children under the age of 18. A pledge of $1,500 entitles donors to drive an authentic race car, while a pledge of $500 secures a ride with a professional driver.

"We continue to identify and develop new and exciting ways to raise awareness and fundraising for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This racing event is a prime example of that," said Roger Koman, vice president of new enterprises for CCFA. "As part of the event, CCFA also today introduced a new online auction site filled with racing items, sports memorabilia, racing event packages and other CCFA merchandise located at www.ccfa.cmarket.com."

In addition, Dion Ciccarelli, a competitor in the Busch® series, has been named CCFA's 2004 Busch Series Driver of the Year. Ciccarelli became involved with CCFA and the Power Speedway event when his brother Ray was diagnosed with Crohn's disease.

For more information on Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis or to register for this event, call 800-343-3637 or email greatevents@ccfa.org. For more information on the event, visit www.ccfa.org/chapters/greatevents.

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 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.

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