Help Rasheed raise money

Colon-free and runnin' wild!

And by 'wild', I really mean 'at an unimpressive pace while obeying all applicable traffic laws'. But the point is I'm running, and I'm doing so after undergoing major surgery over eight years ago to treat ulcerative colitis.

That operation to remove my colon and set up a surgically-created replacement, known as a pelvic pouch or j-pouch, put me on track to a life of better health after several years of being beat back by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

I feel grateful every day for my pelvic pouch, for the years of stability that followed my operations, and for the joys I get to experience.

But not everyone living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, the two main forms of IBD, is as lucky as me. There are still thousands of Canadians, and millions more around the world, struggling to endure the ravenous effects of the disease, and hoping for a way to restore some sort of normality to their lives.

That's where research, funded by organizations like Crohn's and Colitis Canada, comes in. Knowing how the diseases develop, how they function, and how they can be treated effectively is key to making life livable for people impacted by IBD.

By donating to my Mississauga Marathon 10K, and the Guts to Run Team, you'll be helping Crohn's and Colitis Canada advance research and treatments to improve the lives of IBD-ers.

Any amount you can give during (incoming cliché warning) these trying times will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!