It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our co-founders Suzanne Rosenthal. Suzanne was a fearless, determined and courageous woman who turned her diagnosis of Crohn’s disease in 1955 into a legacy that has gone on to help hundreds of thousands of people over the years.  She dedicated her life to spreading awareness about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, supporting and educating patients and funding research to find cures. In 1967, along with her husband, Irwin M. Rosenthal, William D. and Shelby Modell, and Henry D. Janowitz, MD, she founded the National Foundation of Ileitis and Colitis, now known as the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. 

As a patient, volunteer and activist, Suzanne was a tireless pioneer for patients living with IBD and other digestive diseases.  Her legacy continues through the many advocacy initiatives and patient support groups she established during her many years of service.  She dedicated her life to helping other patients, and she is personally responsible for the creation of the various CCFA chapters nationwide. There are no words to truly express our gratitude to Suzanne and all that she has done for the 1.4 million people who suffer from these diseases. CCFA will proudly continue on with her vision of raising awareness and finding cures for IBD.