Celebrating Fatherhood

NEW YORK, June 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As a patient or as a caregiver, fathers offer their unwavering support day in and day out. As vital members of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) family, dads are known for their big bear hugs, comedic jokes, and strong shoulders to lean on. Although inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in men and women are equally prevalent, men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC), and men are more likely to be diagnosed with UC later in life.

Take Steps is CCFA's largest fundraising program which raises awareness for the more than 1.6 million American adults and children affected by IBD. The funds raised through Take Steps propel critical research for cures of these debilitating digestive diseases, helps support patient programs, and enhance professional education efforts.

There are more than 140 walks across the country and there is still time to participate in a fall walk near you. For more information, visit, www.cctakesteps.org. Russ, Kevin, Raymond and Bishop Thomas are just a sampling of the thousands of courageous fathers who are walking – and making a difference – this year.

Russ

Russ' life was changed dramatically in 2012 when his son Keegan started complaining of severe abdominal pain. It took months for a diagnosis to come – Keegan had Crohn's disease. After being introduced to CCFA, Russ and Keegan have met other patients in their area and Keegan served as the 2015 Take Steps Honored Hero for the Houston Chapter.

"No parent wants to hear that their child has an incurable disease," says Russ. "Like any Dad, I had coached my son in sports, had been his Den Leader and Cubmaster, and watched him or participated with him in many father and son activities. I always assumed he would be in good health.  Now fear gripped me because I was concerned that he wouldn't be able to live a normal life.  Even worse, no parent wants to outlive their child."

"With all of this said, one thing I have come to peace with as a Dad is that my son is as tough as nails.  Where I admire my son greatly though, is how he soldiers on in life, in all of his passions. I'm very proud of my son.  He understands that Crohn's disease is a part of his life.  He does not want to give into it. As his father, I don't live in fear of the disease and its ramifications for my son any longer."

Kevin

Kevin's son, Drew, was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2013 at the age of eight. Kevin himself had battled GI issues and while listening to the doctor discuss his son's symptoms, he remembers saying, "I could answer yes to all of those questions they are asking about Drew." Kevin and his family became very involved with CCFA and Take Steps where they leaned on other patients and caregivers for support and continued education. Drew recently served as the Honored Hero for Portland.

"After almost 2 years since Drew's diagnosis, I made an appointment to see a GI," says Kevin. "All blood tests came back with the same indicators of Crohn's as Drew's had been. I had my first colonoscopy and endoscopy but still no diagnosis of IBD. I could see and feel Drew's disappointment when I told him. He didn't want to be alone."

Because of Kevin's high inflammation levels, his doctor wasn't convinced IBD wasn't a factor. Recently, Kevin had the Pillcam test which transmits images as it travels through his GI tract and is waiting for results and closure for himself and Drew.

Raymond

Raymond is the star of team Everybody Loves Raymond, and was diagnosed as a teenager with Crohn's disease. Raymond has required countless surgeries, with the most recent being in March. His daughter Nicole participates in Take Steps as a way to raise funds and fight for a cure for her father.

"He is my hero and my family's rock. How he has survived and kept positive this long while his body fights against him is beyond our comprehension," says Nicole. "I just couldn't take it any longer and I knew I wanted to do something to help fight this terrible disease not only for my dad and my sister (who also has Crohn's), but for the countless others who suffer everyday from this terrible disease." 

Bishop Thomas

Bishop Thomas currently serves on the CCFA's National Board of Trustees and has been involved locally in Maryland for several years. Last year, under his leadership, Team New Psalmist not only raised $18,000 for the Baltimore Take Steps Walk, but they were the largest team in the country with over 350 participants walking for cures.

"My inspiration comes from my son, Joshua, who was diagnosed at the age of 17," says Bishop. Joshua credits his father for his strength and ability to overcome any obstacle that has been given to him in life. Joshua is this year's Honored Hero for the Baltimore Take Steps walk and recently joined the local Maryland Board to continue this involved with CCFA. 

About Take Steps
Take Steps is the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's national walk program. These walks raise funds for critical research and increase awareness of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, painful and unpredictable digestive diseases. Thousands of people will gather this year in more than 145 communities across the country. Our walks are family friendly festivals with activities for everyone including games, music, and great food. Funds raised through Take Steps will help transform the lives of those impacted by these diseases, and support CCFA's critical research, education, and patient support programs. Walk with us today: get started at www.cctakesteps.org. 

About CCFA
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is the largest voluntary non-profit health organization dedicated to finding cures for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). CCFA's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who suffer from these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research, providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public, and furnishing supportive services for those afflicted with IBD. For more information, visit www.ccfa.org, call 888-694-8872, like us on Facebook, find us on LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150615/222993

SOURCE Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America

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