Dear Friends,
I hope that this letter finds you well and in good spirits. Please
allow me a moment to share with you something that I am doing with my
sister, Iris. I have begun an incredible journey with my sister Iris.
We decided to join Team Challenge in order to complete the Napa to
Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon to raise money and awareness for
Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. On July 20, we will be greeted
with 13.1 miles of picturesque scenery, warm wind through the grape
fields and one of the BEST half marathon finishes in the country!
My connection to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)
and this half marathon are directly related to Iris. In 2000 when Iris
was 15 years old, she was hospitalized at Childrens Hospital with an
unknown illness. She had progressively lost weight and become
extremely weak. At the time, my family and I knew NOTHING about
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Now, 8 years later we are very aware of
the impact that these diseases have on the lives of patients who are
diagnosed with them. My sister was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis
and has been one of a small percentage of patients who do not respond
well to the treatment options. However, through all of her struggles
she was able to graduate from UC San Diego last June 2007 and by the
Grace of God, has worked hard through lifestyle modifications and with
a variety of treatments to successfully manage her illness.
In honor of her strength I decided to join CCFA in raising funds and
awareness for research leading to improved treatment options and a
cure for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
We have been training with the Southern California Team Challenge for
the half marathon since April of 2008 and are excited and committed to
this event. As participants in the Crohns & Colitis Foundations
Team Challenge program, we are also committed to raising $7,000 for
the Foundation by August 10, 2008. So far we have raised $4200.
We hope that you would be able to support this cause that is close to
our hearts. If you are able to support us financially, you can log on
to the following website and donate online:
http://www.active.com/donate/napa08laoc/nancysalem
Your financial support will be greatly appreciated as you help us
reach our goal!!! For your record, CCFAs Federal Tax ID number is:
13-6193105.
Thank you in advance for your prayers, support, love and good wishes.
Most Sincerely,
Nancy




