PRESS RELEASE

HLN Meteorologist to Raise Public Awareness of Digestive Diseases

Morning Express with Robin Meade's Van Dillen Signs on as Honorary Chairman of Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's Team Challenge Half Marathon Training Program

New York, New York—May 28, 2009—The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation today announced that Bob Van Dillen, meteorologist for HLN's "Morning Express with Robin Meade," will serve as honorary Chairman of its half marathon training program, Team Challenge. Van Dillen will train with the Foundation's Team Challenge team and then cross the finish line at the Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon on July 19. He will participate in event weekend alongside hundreds of other runners and walkers from around the country who are helping to raise awareness and funds for these chronic, painful, and often debilitating digestive diseases affecting 1.4 million American children and adults.

"I'm honored that the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation has made me the honorary Chairman for this event," commented Van Dillen. "Chances are, there are hundreds — if not thousands — of 'Morning Express with Robin Meade' viewers out there who are affected by Crohn's and colitis. Participating in this event is a way I can help the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation in its mission to fund critical research and find better therapies — and ultimately, a cure," said Van Dillen.

In this role, Van Dillen will not only help raise public awareness about Team Challenge and Crohn's and colitis to "Morning Express with Robin Meade" viewers, but during race weekend he will also motivate hundreds of Team Challenge participants. At various events throughout race weekend, Van Dillen will help the Foundation thank participants for helping the Foundation come closer to a cure, build up excitement for the 13.1 mile race, and celebrate with runner and walkers.

"We are thrilled to have HLN's Bob Van Dillen work alongside the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation to raise awareness of these diseases that people are often embarrassed to discuss with others," says Staci Brown, Event Director at the Foundation. "Bob's involvement will be critical in helping the Foundation to get more people talking about these inflammatory bowel diseases. At the same time, hundreds of Team Challenge participants from around the country experiencing this life-changing program will also be raising awareness of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis while raising critical funds for research, education, and support initiatives."

Van Dillen is a meteorologist for HLN. Based in CNN's world headquarters in Atlanta, Van Dillen joined the network in September 2002. Before joining HLN, Van Dillen was with the NBC affiliate WCNC in Charlotte, N.C., where he was a weekend meteorologist. Before this position, he was the morning meteorologist with CBS affiliate WTVH in Syracuse, N.Y., where he had also served as the weekend meteorologist. Previously, Van Dillen worked for ABC affiliate WUTR in Utica, N.Y., where he served as chief meteorologist. He began his career in Long Island, N.Y., as a forecaster for the Metro Weather Service. Van Dillen was awarded the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Seal of Approval in March 1997. He also is a full member of the AMS. Van Dillen earned a bachelor of science degree in meteorology from Millersville University in Pennsylvania.

Runners and walkers of all levels can train for and participate in the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon on December 6 with Team Challenge, official charity of this inaugural race. For more information or to register visit www.ccteamchallenge.org or call 866.931.2611.

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 81 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.

Media Contact:
Ariella Levine
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
646-943-7430
alevine@ccfa.org

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