Emily Furderer of Jacksonville Beach plans to motivate the local community to find cures for Crohn’s disease by participating in the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Take Steps Jacksonville Saturday, April 18 at Memorial Park in Jacksonville. The event will begin at 9 a.m.
Furderer is living with Crohn’s disease. The condition and ulcerative colitis are debilitating digestive diseases affecting an estimated 3.1 million American adults and children, including an estimated 80,000 patients under the age of 18.
The Jacksonville Beach resident was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at the age of 14. Up until two years ago, she never spoke about her disease to anyone, other then her parents. Like most patients suffering from Crohn’s disease, she never felt empowered to tell her story. Crohn’s disease is nicknamed the “invisible disease”, which is a blessing and curse. Furderer only began telling her story two years ago, when she needed major surgery and had to take time off work.
“I strongly believe in the mission of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and I am excited to be a small part in the success of raising awareness at the Take Steps event in April” she said. “Being diagnosed at such a young age, I feel as though I am a true voice and advocate of improving the lives of children and people suffering from these diseases.”
Take Steps is Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s largest nationwide event dedicated to finding cures and raising awareness for digestive diseases. The day will offer an opportunity for family, friends and the community to celebrate all the efforts that have been put forth in raising funds towards the organization’s mission. More than 60,000 people walked for cures last year nationwide, raising nearly $11 million for mission-critical research and patient support programs.
For more information on how to get involved with Take Steps Jacksonville, visit www.cctakesteps.org/jacksonville2020 or contact Ginger Lilley Peace at (904) 553-9743 or gpeace@crohnscolitisfoundation.org.
Photo provided by Ginger Lilley Peace
