Team Challenge: Raising Money and Awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis

An exciting new program designed by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation has people getting healthy while raising money and awareness for the disorders. Team Challenge is the Foundation’s half marathon training program, which helps to condition people over the course of sixteen weeks to participate in half marathons held in various cities across the country. This year, participants have the opportunity to run in races in Napa, California, and Boston, Massachusetts.

The funds raised through the Team Challenge program will support research, education, and supporting services for the 1.4 million individuals living with Crohn’s disease and Colitis. The Foundation has aggressive fundraising goals and hopes that with these Team Challenge half marathons they can meet or even exceed these goals. There are Team Challenge chapters across the nation, which recruit runners and walkers, provide sixteen week training programs, and give advice regarding fundraising, as well as any other necessary assistance. Each chapter will then travel to the race site to participate in the race, enjoy parties and entertainment, and enjoy the company of other participants. If people want to participate in one of the races, but do not live close to chapter, they can participate in Team Challenge’s National team via the telephone and e-mail. The teams are trained by professional coaches and provide clinics on nutrition, injury prevention, and overall fitness.

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation is ranked number three among all health non-profit organizations in the amount devoted to research for finding cures for the diseases. The Foundation also makes certain that a good deal of money is given to mission critical initiatives. It also meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau and the American Institute of Philanthropy.

What makes this training even more exciting is that those suffering with Crohn’s or Colitis can also participate. Although there is no cure for either condition, being physically fit and eating nutritionally sound foods can only help with the symptoms. Working and training toward a fitness goal that can only benefit the diseases is also motivational for individuals. Studies have shown that individuals who remain physically active and eat properly have an easier time coping with the conditions than those who do not. If you are on medication for Crohn’s or Colitis, make sure to discuss this with the training coaches and your doctor. Team Challenge is an inspiring activity that will not only help those suffering with Crohn’s or Colitis off the road, but on the road as well.