Help Lauren raise money

Family and friends, I am running the 2023 Pittsburgh Marathon Relay to raise money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). 

As many of you know, I have been battling Crohn's Disease since being diagnosed in 2000 during my sophomore year of college. My fight over the years has involved countless medical procedures, medications, infusions, hospital visits, and surgeries. In 2013, my disease took a turn for the worse, and I was forced to undergo two life-altering surgeries. After finding an abscess the size of a golf ball in my colon, and an 11-hour surgery to remove most of my large intestines and rectum, I ended up with a non-reversible colostomy. While the colostomy brought relief for a few months, my Crohn's returned in what was left of my large intestines. Nearly one year later, in January of 2015, I underwent a third surgery, completely removing my large intestines, and altering my colostomy into an ileostomy. 

Although living with an ileostomy has it's own challenges, from emotional difficulties, dietary restrictions, and daily maintenence, the quality of life it has given to me makes it all worth it. I turned to running after my surgeries as a way to manage the emotional toll and physical challenges of living with an ileostomy. I wanted to prove to myself that I can do anything! Since I started running, I have completed an Olympic triathlon, 3 sprint triathlons, 2 half marathons, and dozens of other races. I am not fast by any means, but for me, it's just about crossing the finish line.

2023 marks the 6th time I will be participating in the Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend. I am lucky to have four team members who will be joining me for the Marathon Relay. Together, we will complete the entire 26.2 mile course. I will be running the 5th and final leg of the race, and hope to cross the finish line in honor of the CCFA!

Please support me in this race by making a gift to the CCFA.

CCFA is a non-profit, volunteer-fueled organization dedicated to finding cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases.