Are you newly diagnosed or experiencing new symptoms or treatment?  Want insights from someone who’s been down the same path?

Power of Two is a Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America support program that connects people facing challenges brought on by living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Individuals seeking help are matched with a peer mentor who has experienced similar medical and personal concerns. Power of Two peer mentors are trained to support participants through two phone, email, or video chat exchanges. 

The program is open to people with Crohn’s or colitis and those with children, family members, or other loved ones with these diseases. Anyone over the age of 10 can apply to be a mentor to provide insights into living with Crohn’s and colitis. (Individuals under the age of 18 will need parental/guardian consent.)

Whether you are seeking support or are willing to help others as a peer mentor, please contact Anthonie Burke at 248.737.0900 or michigan@ccfa.org

Workplace Giving:
CCFA Michigan is proud to participate in the workplace giving campaign of Community Health Charities.  At many workplaces throughout Michigan, employees can direct contributions to the charity of their choice.  Look for our name and agency code in your company campaign.  If you don't find us, please ask your employer to add CCFA.

Friendly Advice:
By: Stephen L. Redisch, Attorney

What can you do, if your medical conditions make it impossible to work?

No one wants to stop working in today’s uncertain economic environment!  But help is available when your medical conditions may make full-time work no longer possible.  The very nature of Crohn’s disease & ulcerative colitis may preclude full-time work due to frequent exacerbations and chronic pain.  Further, the long term side effects of certain medications may make it impossible for some people to maintain regular employment.

I am frequently asked by my clients what resources are available to supplement lost income from employment.  The following information will briefly outline benefits you may be able to get if you are disabled from full-time employment. If you worked for an employer or you were self-employed and had a short or long term disability benefit policy you may be entitled to income replacement benefits.  Every policy has different conditions and requirements. Check with an attorney before applying to understand the requirements of your particular policy.

Further, if you or your family has little or no income you may be entitled to get State Disability Assistance from the State of Michigan DHS office.  If approved for these benefits you will get Medicaid health insurance and a monthly cash benefit.

In addition, you may qualify for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits.  To get Social Security Disability benefits you must have worked and paid into the system for a period of time before you became disabled, and must meet the definition of disability set forth by the Social Security administration.  Even if you never worked and are disabled you may be entitled to get Supplemental Security Income Benefits (SSI) if you meet certain income and resource guidelines.

Obtaining these benefits is not easy!  More than 40% of the initial applications are routinely denied.  You should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to help guide you through this difficult process.

If you need further information or have specific questions regarding benefits please feel free to contact me by phone at 248-356-8400 or via email at sredisch@yahoo.com. You can also visit my website at: www.midisabilitylawyer.com for more information and additional resources.

Stephen L. Redisch is an experienced Michigan attorney. He has more than 40 years experience in assisting disabled individuals get their disability benefits.  He is a supporting member of the Michigan Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. His office is located in Southfield, Michigan and he has graciously agreed to offer foundation members a free consultation regarding disability issues.