Help Josephine raise money

Dear Family and Friends, 

Did you know that over 322,000 people in Canada are living with some form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and by 2035 that number is expected to grow to 470,000? Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – the most common forms of IBD - are chronic, lifelong diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract and cause extreme pain, the need for surgical intervention, intensive medication regimens, and more. For those living with Crohn’s or colitis, the need for improved treatments, and even cures, couldn’t be greater—but there’s lots to be hopeful about! And you can help make that hope a reality. This past year, thanks to the generous support of community members like those at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s GEM (Genetic, Environmental, Microbial) Project made a major discovery, uncovering the hints of Crohn’s disease development years before it happens. Studying the healthy first-degree relatives of those with Crohn’s disease, the GEM Project’s landmark finding will allow IBD researchers to accelerate their projects. That's why I'm fundraising for Crohn's and Colitis Canada at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. 

In October, I’ll be running the Toronto Waterfront Marathon (the half marathon distance!) to support Crohn’s and Colitis Canada in fulfilling their Promise—to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and to improve the quality of life of everyone affected by these diseases. Last year, my brother Nicholas was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and it's my hope that these donations will support lifechanging research to improve his quality of life. 

Thank you for your generous support and love.

With sincere gratitude,

Josephine