Crohn's Colitis Foundation of America Announces Local Heroes
New York, (Oct. 28, 2002) - The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), in partnership with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has announced the winners of the second annual "Local Hero Patient Celebration Program." The program honors young individuals, between the ages of 7-17, who have shown courage and determination while living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD).
The 2002 winners are Rachel Hettich, 17, of Oak Ridge, Tenn., and Zachary Powers-Alves, 15, of Fall River, Mass. As winners, Hettich and Powers-Alves and their families will receive an all-expense-paid weekend in New York City where the two winners will be honored at CCFA's Annual Meeting on Nov. 16, 2002, at The Roosevelt Hotel.
Now in its second year, the Local Hero Patient Celebration Program is a partnership between CCFA and Solvay Pharmaceuticals. Any young person with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis is eligible to apply. Applications are available May-September through the CCFA Web site (www.ccfa.org), local CCFA chapters, participating practicing gastroenterology physician offices, the CCFA Camps Across America program, or by calling 800-932-2423. Winners are chosen based on criteria including service to the community, academic, athletic or extracurricular achievement, active lifestyle and positive attitude.
"Through the Local Hero program, we recognize and celebrate young people who live active, productive lives despite the challenges presented to them by IBD," said Rodger L. DeRose, CCFA president and chief executive officer. "These diseases can be both physically and emotionally devastating, especially to kids. All of our applicants and winners serve as role models for those who suffer from these illnesses."
"Solvay Pharmaceuticals is proud to support the Local Hero program - and even prouder of these young, courageous people who have overcome tremendous personal obstacles," added Harold Shlevin, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Solvay Pharmaceuticals. "We hope this program sheds greater light on their stories and helps the public to better understand these often debilitating diseases."
Ulcerative colitis attacks the large intestine (colon), causing painful diarrhea and bleeding. It can lead to numerous complications, including colon cancer. While medications control most symptoms, the only cure is surgical removal of the colon.
Crohn's disease is a painful, incurable illness that may inflame the small and large intestines and cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, weight loss and numerous complications such as bowel obstruction and abscesses.
The mission of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. is to cure and prevent Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through research, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support. IBD affects up to 1 million Americans, including approximately 100,000 children under the age of 18. CCFA was founded in 1967. For more information call 800-932-2423 or visit the foundation's Web site at www.ccfa.org.
Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of Marietta, Ga., is a research-based pharmaceutical company active in the therapeutic areas of cardiology, gastroenterology, mental health and women's health. It is a member of the worldwide Solvay S.A. chemical and pharmaceutical group headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
