Crohn's & Colitis facts
The Diseases
Crohn's disease is a painful, incurable illness that may inflame the small and large intestines and cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, weight loss, and numerous complications, such as bowel obstruction and abscesses.
Ulcerative Colitis attacks the large intestine (colon), causing painful diarrhea, bleeding, and numerous complications, including colon cancer. While medications control most symptoms, the only cure is surgical removal of the colon.
Currently, the Crohn's & Colitis foundation is trying to establish in the Pensacola area:
- more support groups for patients and their families:
- education programs for patients, physicians and healthcare professionals:
- increased publicity and awareness to patients, the medical community and the general public.
Profile
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. (CCFA) is a non-profit, voluntary health organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Known collectively as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), these chronic digestive disorders affect up to one million Americans. CCFA was founded in 1967.
Facts & Figures:
It is estimated that up to one million Americans suffer from IBD, with approximately 30,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
Anyone can get IBD, but adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 35 are most susceptible.
The cause of IBD is unknown. There is no medical cure for these conditions, which can flare up without warning.
Approximately 20% of patients have another family member with IBD, and families frequently share a similar pattern of disease.
CCFA-Alabama Chapter
Serving Alabama &
Northwest Florida
The CCFA-Alabama was founded in 1987 by Conrad (1927-1994) and Frances Cypress and J. Marshall Garrett, M.D. The chapter currently provides support groups that meet monthly across the state, as well as educational meetings for patients and their families. CCFA is supported solely by individual, foundation, and corporate contributions.
Where to find additional information on Crohn's & Colitis on the Internet and on our site.
Drugs, studies aid those with bowel disease-- by Dr. James W. Smith, M.D. published in the Pensacola News Journal.
Remicaid -- by Dr. Roger M. Orth, M.D. A lecture given on the medication Remicaid.
Crohn's Disease-- Published by the National Institute of Health and available on our website.
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America-- The non-profit, voluntary health organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
CCFA Chapters & Events-- If you do not live in the Pensacola area then click here and look for a CCFA Chapter in your area!!