Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Launches New Web Site to Commence Take Steps Walk Season: Walkers Can Take the Step that Counts Using New Interactive Features

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America recently launched its updated web site to usher in the 2010 Walk season comprising of over 100 walks nationwide. The Foundation reached a new plateau with new interactive features such as a blog, downloadable banners and widgets, and tips and tools for fundraising to support the walks that raise much-needed awareness of and funds for the 1.4 million Americans living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, chronic and painful digestive diseases.

New York, NY (Vocus) October 3, 2009

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America recently launched its updated web site to usher in the 2010 Walk season comprising of over 100 walks nationwide. The Foundation reached a new plateau with new interactive features such as a blog, downloadable banners and widgets, and tips and tools for fundraising to support the walks that raise much-needed awareness of and funds for the 1.4 million Americans living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, chronic and painful digestive diseases.

"It's very important that we create an environment that fosters awareness and support for our Walks, while making the job a little easier for those participating," said Cassidy Richards, National Event Director for the Foundation. "One way we're doing that is with our new banners and widgets in different sizes that people can add to their social networking sites like Facebook."

The banners and widgets can also be added to participants' blogs, personal web sites, and on e-mails to friends to help get the word out about Take Steps. Available on the site's new Spread the Word section, these tools are part of the Foundation's efforts to help walkers show their support and get others to join Take Steps.

The new web site also offers helpful suggestions on how to organize fundraisers at school or at work even during these trying economic times. It also encourages people to join a team, make a donation, or take part in volunteer activities through the site's Get Involved feature.

The upcoming season kicks-off in spring 2010 and will continue into the summer in cities throughout the country. Walking for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is a great way for people to show their support for finding a cure for these debilitating digestive diseases that affect so many Americans.

Join thousands in the fight against Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis today! For more information on the CCFA Take Steps program, visit http://www.cctakesteps.org

About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis:
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery. These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million adults and children suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18. Most people develop the disease between the ages of 15and 35.

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America:
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, with more than 81 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. The foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org). For more information, contact the Foundation at 800-932-2423 or visit http://www.ccfa.org.

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