New York, NY (Vocus/PRWEB) March 18, 2011

the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America today announced that Congressmen Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) and Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (D-IL) have launched the Congressional Crohn’s and Colitis Caucus. This new caucus will work to promote awareness of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the need for expanded research at the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the importance of accessible insurance and disability for patients with IBD, chronic and often debilitating digestive diseases affecting over 1.4 million Americans. Congressmen Crenshaw and Jackson are inviting all Congressional colleagues to become members of this new caucus.

“As a parent of a child with Crohn’s and colitis, I have witnessed first-hand the often debilitating effects of this disease,” says Congressman Crenshaw. “Alongside Congressman Jackson, I am continuing to help raise much-needed awareness about issues related to Crohn’s and colitis—across party lines.”

With continuous inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients suffer significant abdominal pain, intestinal pain, and weight loss, among many other symptoms. with no known cure or cause, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have a devastating impact on both patients and families. Complications include arthritis, osteoporosis, anemia, liver disease, kidney disease, and colon cancer.

For information on how you can make your voice heard and advocate for IBD patients, visit ccfa.org/advocacy.

About Crohn's Disease & 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 American 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 diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation 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 ccfa.org. Join CCFA on Facebook at apps.facebook.com/supportccfa/and follow CCFA on Twitter at twitter.com/ccfa.

Read the full story at prweb.com/releases/2011/3/prweb8217473.htm