New York, NY - (August 30, 2005) – The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), the leader in the fight against Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and the New York Mets have teamed up to present the "New York Mets Strike Out Crohn's & Colitis Day" at Shea Stadium on Sunday, September 18, 2005.  The game, scheduled for 1:10 p.m., will be against division rivals, the Atlanta Braves.

Tickets for the game are just $14 (Upper Reserved) and $25 (Mezzanine Reserved).  A portion of revenue will benefit CCFA programs.  Tickets can be purchased online at the New York Mets website, www.nymets.com.  Click on Tickets, then on Group Ticket Window link on left hand side of the page.  A window will pop up, sign-in ID is CCFA and the password is METS (all caps).  For more information, contact CCFA's Long Island Chapter at 516-222-5530.

The Mets will welcome members, friends and supporters of CCFA with announcements on the PA system and specially designated seating, as well as a public service announcement on the Jumbotron and in pre-game ceremonies.  This is yet another effort by CCFA to promote its mission of education, advocacy and research to find a cure. 

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.

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:

Susan Gomberg

CCFA / Long Island Chapter

516-222-5530

sgomberg@ccfa.org