Group taking steps toward raising Crohn’s awareness

Posted: Thursday, May 28, 2009 9:03 pm

 Northwest Tennessee residents will again take steps toward raising awareness and funds for Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. After a successful inaugural event last year, Union City resident Brent Hinson is organizing this year’s Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s “Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis” charity walk in Martin on June 6. Although the Tennessee Chapter of the CCFA will hold its event the same afternoon in downtown Nashville, Hinson decided to act locally and organize a charity walk in his community. The second “Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis — West Tennessee” will take place at the University of Tennessee at Martin’s fitness trail from 10 a.m. until noon. All proceeds raised will benefit the Tennessee chapter of CCFA. “Last year, we had such a great turn out and raised over $2,000. I want to put a local face on these conditions so other patients don’t have to suffer silently,” Hinson said. “After being diagnosed with Crohn’s in 2000, I have made it my goal to educate and raise money to help find a cure for these diseases.” Crohn’s disease is a lifelong inflammatory bowl disease (IBD). Parts of the digestive system get swollen and have deep ulcerated sores. Crohn’s disease usually is found in the last part of the small intestine and the first part of the large intestine. The disease can develop anywhere in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Anyone is welcome to attend the walk at the fitness trail located next to the Elam Center on the UTM campus, Hinson said. Those wishing to make a donation, may visit his Web page http://online.ccfa.org/goto/brenthinson. Published in The Messenger 5.28.09