Sleepover Nets $1K for Kids with Crohn's & Colitis

by Lisa Ruggiero of CCFA

(February 22, 2004) Liza Strauss is a typical fifth grader at Murray Avenue School in Larchmont, but instead of typical presents for her eleventh birthday two weeks ago, she asked her friends and relatives to make a contribution to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) in honor of her cousin, Hannah Silverman, who has Crohn’s disease. The guests enjoyed the sleepover at Liza’s – and the thrill of knowing they had raised over $1,000 to support the foundation's Camps Across America program.

Children with Crohn’s need special treatment, but like Liza and her friends, they need to have fun. That’s where the Camps Across America program comes in with recreational programs under medical supervision.

“I felt so proud and honored to be part of my cousin’s birthday party,” said Hannah Silverman, “I know what it is like to have Crohn’s disease and know that children who suffer more than I do will enjoy a summer camp experience despite their illness.”

Liza Strauss (fourth from left) and friends honor Hannah Silverman (third from right) with a $1,000 donation to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. On hand to receive the donation was Jane Katz (center), the chapter’s development manager.

Hannah is one of a million Americans with Crohn’s disease or colitis (the two forms of inflammatory bowel disease or IBD). More than 100,000 children, some as young as 18 months old, suffer from some form of IBD. Their symptoms range from mild to severe and include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss, and delayed growth. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure; however there are continual advances in medical research, treatment procedures and support programs.

“These children have the same hopes, dreams and interests as other kids their age, but because of their special medical needs, an ordinary camp is out of the question for many of them,” noted Dr. Sanford Taffett, a gastroenterologist at Sound Shore Medical Center in New Rochelle. “At CCFA Camps Across America, they can share experiences with other campers and meet adults who are coping successfully with IBD.”

In the Westchester area, the local CCFA Chapter will be hosting the third season for Camp Kiwi this August. Camp Kiwi, like other CCFA camps, provides both recreational and educational opportunities in a traditional camp environment with one important extra: 24-hour medical supervision.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are unpredictable illnesses. Some patients recover after a single attack; others require frequent hospitalizations and surgery. Left untreated, symptoms may worsen and cause complications such as abscesses, obstruction, malnutrition and anemia. Colon cancer may be a serious complication of long-term ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, even in a patient who is in remission. The local organization is holding a symposium on March 20 to help educate patients on the medical, psychological and practical aspects of living with IBD (Call for more information and to register: 914-328-2874.)

CCFA’s mission is twofold; first, to cure and prevent Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through research and second, to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support. Through their $1,000 donation, Liza Strauss and her friends are providing help on both fronts.

For additional information about CCFA, or Camps Across America, visit www.ccfa.org, contact the Fairfield/Westchester Chapter office at 914-328-2874 or email westfield@ccfa.org.

Print This Article--For best results, highlight text, print selection
Email this article