Greenleaf Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Resolution Receives Senate Approval

HARRISBURG –A resolution sponsored by Sen. Stewart J. Greenleaf to designate May 2007 as "Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Awareness Month" received unanimous consent from the Pennsylvania Senate.

In remarks on the Senate floor, the senator said that the issue of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—which includes Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis—was brought to his attention by a constituent, Ken Gioffre of Huntingdon Valley.  Mr. Gioffre's son, Nick, currently a high school senior planning to attend Drexel University, was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at the age of 10 and has been under treatment ever since to control the condition.  The father and son were present in the Senate gallery for the resolution's approval.

Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are incurable conditions, but are often controllable with the right treatments, diet regimen, and careful monitoring.  However, two-thirds of those who suffer from IBD require surgery at some point in their lives.

The conditions afflict people of all ages and from all walks of life, and as many as 0ne million Americans have been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.  Ten percent of IBD patients are children under the age of 18.

Greenleaf noted that, in addition to the resolution, he is offering a bill to assist people with IBD in their need for restroom access in public places.

"Research on these often painful and life-altering conditions and support for those who suffer with them is provided by such organizations as the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America," said Greenleaf.  The foundation has an office in Trevose, and the senator noted that the Philadelphia area is a well-known hub for research on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.  "The hope is that new therapies will be found and that one day there will be a cure," the senator said.