Race to raise awareness of Crohn’s disease

The Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) will hold its 15th annual Guts & Glory 5K Run on Saturday, August 9 in Ocean City.
Bob Edmunds, of Linwood will chair the race this year. His company, Edmunds & Associates of Northfield, a computer systems and support company, will sponsor the event.
Miss Gloucester County, Lauren Talvacchio, will be at the race to meet the runners and help the foundation raise awareness of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnosed with Crohn’s during her senior year in high school, Lauren quickly adapted to a new way of life.
She is actively involved with the local Chapter of CCFA and is helping to spread the word with her pageant platform, “A Cure for Crohn’s & Colitis: We Can’t Wait!” for the Miss New Jersey contest.
“While serving as Miss Gloucester County, I will be educating others about a day in the life of a person with Crohn’s or colitis,” says Lauren. “In doing so, I will hopefully spark some interest and increase the number of participants.”
Jamie Ginn, who competed in the Miss America pageant as Miss Delaware last year, also will be on hand to lend her support at the race. Ginn, whose younger sister also suffers from Crohn’s disease, is an ardent supporter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
The overall male and female winners will receive prizes, and additional awards will be presented to runners in various age categories.
Registration takes place at the Sport & Civic Center Building at 5th and the Boardwalk, from 7 to 8:15 a.m., with the race beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The entry fee is $15 by Aug. 1 and includes a T-shirt. After Aug. 1 and on race day, the fee is $20 and T-shirts are included while supplies last.
Participants are encouraged to gather sponsors to pledge additional donations.
For more information or to register for the event, please contact CCFA at 888-340-4744 or 215-396-9100, or register online at www.gutsandglory.org.
Proceeds from the Guts & Glory 5K Run benefit research, education, and support programs for people suffering from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – chronic digestive disorders of the small and large intestines.
CCFA, a voluntary, non-profit national organization, seeks to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases.