In an effort to raise support for families and patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) recently announced three companies that are partnering with their Take Steps program to help raise funds to support research that might lead to new, promising IBD treatments.

“The number of Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis patients in this country continues to increase. CCFA is committed to raising funds for critical research initiatives that are leading to better treatment options for patients. The ultimate goal is to find cures one day soon, so we are grateful to the companies’ who help support us in getting there,” said the CEO and President of the CCFA Richard J. Geswell.

Supporters can contribute to this cause during the month of April through three very creative approaches:

1. By eating a meal at any of the 88 Bertucci’s Restaurants on April 14th, 15 percent of the sales will be donated to fund research by simply using this coupon.
2. Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC (BRSO) employees and its 2,200 retail locations nationwide will offer customers the possibility to round up a service’s purchase with a part benefiting CCFA research. Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, ExpertTire and Wheel Works are included. In the last two years, $225,000 were raised from this campaign alone.
3. Through online shop for tasty desserts, The Great Cookie, customers can use the promotional code “CCFA” at checkout; 20 percent of the purchase will be given to CCFA research.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that affect almost 1 in each 200 individuals. These are painful conditions and there is no cure to address them. While Crohn’s disease attacks anywhere along the digestive track, ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, persistent diarrhea, fever and ultimately weight loss.