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"Often times, patients indicate that hearing success stories from otherswith similar conditions help them realize that they can live beyond theirdisease," says Dan Hecht, General Manager - North America Pharmaceuticals ofP&G. "Many people living with ulcerative colitis are able to live life to thefullest despite this illness and being open about the condition is animportant first step in taking control."
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A panel of judges representing local Foundation chapters across thecountry selected the seven most inspirational stories from more than 500contestants including UC patients and their family, friends and healthcareproviders. These seven essays are featured on the program's Web site,www.ucsuccess.org. Winners will be recognized at the Foundation's NationalAdvocacy Conference, "IBD Day on the Hill," starting May 14, 2008 inWashington, D.C. During the conference, the Celebrating UC Success winnerswill be able to meet with their local legislators to discuss researchsurrounding ulcerative colitis and will be honored at a dinner reception. Theseven winners who submitted the most encouraging and creative pieces are:
"More than half a million Americans live with ulcerative colitis each dayand the response to the Celebrating UC Success contest program from thecommunity underscores the importance of an open dialogue among those affectedby the disease," said Kimberly Frederick, Vice President of Patient &Professional Services for the Foundation. "We look forward to honoring thewinners and to an exciting event in Washington, D.C."
About Celebrating UC Success
The Celebrating UC Success program launched December 2007 and entries wereaccepted though March 14, 2008. Entrants submitted essays in one of threecategories: Ulcerative Colitis Patients, Supportive Family Members/Friends andHealthcare Providers. Every applicant was recognized for their entry andreceived a complimentary one-year membership to the Foundation.Semi-finalists received a $50 gift card to the Foundation's online store.
About Ulcerative Colitis
UC involves inflammation of the lining of the colon and rectum. It variesin clinical severity with patients having mild, moderate or severe disease.Treatment depends on the extent and severity of disease.
UC causes flares followed by periods of remission. During a flare, inwhich the rectum or colon become inflamed, people experience symptoms such asdiarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramping and an urgent need to go to thebathroom. Flares can vary in duration and intensity. While UC is a lifelongcondition, medication may help control flares.
UC affects people of all ages, but is often diagnosed during earlyadulthood. The causes of this condition are unknown, but may involve heredity,infection and/or the immune system.
About Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's mission is to cure Crohn'sdisease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of childrenand adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third amongleading health non-profit organizations in the percentage of expense devotedto research toward a cure, and more than 83 cents of every dollar theFoundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. The Foundationconsistently meets the standards of orga
