Over the past 50 years, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) has become the most prominent organization focused on helping people who suffer from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, the two most common types of inflammatory bowel diseases. Classified as a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization, patients, loved ones and caregivers may find great benefits in getting involved with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.
In 1967, two couples affected by IBD joined forces with a physician to fight these chronic conditions, both of which still have no cure. The founders of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America were Irwin M. and Suzanne Rosenthal, William D. and Shelby Modell, and Henry D. Janowitz, M.D., while the main mission of the organization remains the same: finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
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“Since our founding over four decades ago, CCFA has remained at the forefront of research in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Today, we fund cutting-edge studies at major medical institutions, nurture investigators at the early stages of their careers, and finance underdeveloped areas of research,” explain the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.
“In addition, our educational workshops and programs, along with our scientific journal, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, enable medical professionals to keep pace with this rapidly growing field. We are very proud that the National Institutes of Health has commended us for ‘uniting the research community and strengthening IBD research.'”
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While finding a cure for IBD is the main mission of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, the organization is also focused on improving the quality of life for children and adults diagnosed with these conditions. To do so, the organization offers services through its local chapter, including more than 200 support groups, a summer camp for IBD pediatric patients called Camp Oasis, and many other educational and training programs for the communities throughout the country.
Holding about 40 chapters, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America helps more than 300,000 patients every year. This work is made possible by corporate sponsors and foundations that provide grants for research, support, and education programs, but also by informal partnerships and collaborations with a series of Crohn’s and colitis-related organizations worldwide. In addition, the fundraising efforts from numerous volunteers is also critical to the foundation’s work and success.
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