PEARL JAM GUITARIST MIKE MCCREADY FEATURED IN NEW PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE CROHN'S & COLITIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

Story Summary

Did you know that 1.4 million Americans suffer from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis? The unpredictable nature of these painful and debilitating digestive diseases creates a significant burden on the community and the economy: more than $1.26 billion in direct and indirect costs annually, according to the American Gastroenterological Association.

The peak onset of symptoms is during adolescence and early adulthood, but all ages are affected. Symptoms persist throughout a patient's life, since current therapies can control, but not cure, these diseases.

Due to the unpredictable nature of these diseases, patients never know when they might spend two weeks in the hospital, require surgery, or miss work or a personal event. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's mission is to find a cure for these painful and debilitating digestive diseases and improve the quality of life for children and adults affected. The Foundation has made huge advancements in improving the quality of care and treating these diseases, but has yet to find a cure. To help achieve this, the Foundation has organized Take Steps, the walk to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

As the nation's largest event dedicated to finding a cure, Americans will walk at 130 sites around the country in 2011 to raise awareness and funds to fight these diseases.

The campaign's new radio public service announcements featuring Mike McCready, Pearl Jam guitarist, help teach listeners about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and offers a way for them to make a difference in the lives of millions of patients.

We urge you to broadcast these PSAs—formatted in 15-, 30- and 60-second lengths—and help us take a step toward a future free from these devastating diseases.

For more information, please visit: www.ccfa.org