“Providing Hope, Inspiring Action”…It was a day of giving for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Northwest Chapter as supporters gathered for the annual event that raises funds and awareness in support of research, patient progress and treatment progress for this most debilitating disease. Having a sister that suffers yet lives fully with the illness, it is always heart-wrenching and heart-warming to hear stories of those who have conquered the disease in their own way. Erin Stedman shared her story which was totally different than that of her sister who also has the disease. Erin somehow managed her pain and suffering while planning a wedding and later having a baby. Surrounded by family and love definitely pulled her through. And then there was Trina who received the McCready Family Award whose story was just as inspiring.
On Thursday, April 24th hundreds of guests arrived at Olive 8 for the 2014 Annual Benefit Luncheon for Crohn’s & Colitis. Sandra Kim, MD presented a lively presentation on PROKIDS – discussing research and results of studies with young children with the disease. Tony Ventrella was engaging as he shared wit and widsom on living with challenging conditions no matter what the age. Mike and Ashley McCready presented the 2014 McCready Family Award to Lisa and Norm Judah; outstanding volunteers who are dedicated to helping others living with chronic illness.
I myself would like to thank CCFA for their work in the Seattle area.
The dice were flying and the bidding was furious at the annual Casino Night & Auction benefiting the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation here in Seattle. Over $60,000 was raised with patrons walking away with VIP Pearl Jam concert tickets, Dinner with Nancy Leson, a Sayulita getaway just to mention a few.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affect both children and adults. My sister was diagnosed over 30 years ago and today lives a very active life despite the occasional flareup and trip to the ER. Having a local chapter in our own backyard has been most helpful.
Camp Oasis is a place where kids with UC and Crohn’s disease can go and play and just be kids. Sponsored by Northwest Chapter Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Bellevue Washington. Proceeds from the sale of this magazine benefit the local chapter.
It was a grand party for the local Crohn’s & Colitis chapter as they hosted their CCFA Casino Night & Auction at 415 Westlake. Bidding was exciting as guests vied for trips, tickets to Pearl Jam concerts, chef’s dinner party and more. Nancy Leson was on hand to share her involvement with CCFA. Of course, there were some exciting moments on the casino floor as well….click here for more images
I support the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation because my sister has dealt with the disease for over 20 years. Giving back to CCFA is an honor. Meeting special people like Mike McCready and his lovely wife, the kids at Camp Oasis is all very rewarding. Once again I was on hand to offer my photographic skills in capturing the annual benefit luncheon. You can view the images from the luncheon be clicking here.
Mike McCready & Ashley O’Connor Award 2012 goes to Ghassan Wahbeh, MD
Below Ashley McCready and Barb Wodzin pose for a photo at the luncheon.
The Kennard Family get a chance to meet Mike McCready. Their yound son suffers from Crohn’s just like Mike.
Chrohn’s and Colitis Foundation Annual Benefit Luncheon April 27, 2011 ~ Hyatt at Olive 8 ~ Seattle, Washington
Once again I was on hand for the annual CCFA Luncheon where a wide variety of guests told their stories and expressed their thanks to the Northwest Chapter of CCFA. A lovely video presentation was created of images I had taken at Camp Oasis last summer – there was not a dry eye in the house!
Guest speakers included; Mike McCready of Pearl Jam (who shocked the nation when he admitted he was suffering from Chrohn’s disease several years ago); Andy Wappler whose father, weatherman Harry Wappler suffered with Chrohn’s for most of his life, with just a few confidants knowing of his illness) and Barbara Chaplin, recipient of the Mike McCready & Ashlley O’Conner Award this year. Barbara’s story is like that of so many others – shame and fear of having a life-long illness. Upon hearing of Lois Fink’s 5K run in support of people with IBD, she and her husband become involved with others who lived with the same illness. She became a CCFA board member, raising funds and awareness and hasn’t stopped since!
My sister has Chrohn’s disease and that’s why I offer my time and talent to this worthwhile organization that opened so many doors for her. Learning how to live life instead of the disease living life for you is a major hurdle many of these patients can conquer. Keep up the good work!
My sister has Crohn’s disease. We are active in the local chapters and always willing to help out especially if it involves kids and photography! I took my buddy Mike with me and we spent the day with these remarkable kids at Camp Oasis; commonly known as Camp Colman. Activities included archery, art’s & crafts, swimming & boating, and the sport of ‘gaga’! You would not think that these kids have issues due to UC and Crohn’s; their energy levels are so high! I have published a ‘magazine’ that can be purchased online with all proceeds going to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation here in Seattle.
My sister has Crohn’s disease so I feel like I share it with her. It is my privilege to once again be on hand to photograph the annual benefit luncheon. Our good friend Lois Fink along with state representative Marko Liias helped pass a bill which would give individuals with certain medical condiditons the right to use employee only restrooms if necessitated by their disease. On May 11, 2009 ESHB 1138 was signed into law. Lois received the 2010 Mike McCready & Ashley O’Connor Award.
Mike McCready of Pearl Jam took a moment to pose with Elizabeth Smith (featured speaker) and her family. Elizabeth, 11 years old, has endured Crohn’s for most of her young life yet lives a normal kids life. She plays football, soccer, swims and loves to act!
Last up was Susan Ershler who along with her husband Phil were the first couple in history to climb the fabled Seven Summits including Mt. Everest. Most remarkable is the fact the Susan had never hiked or climbed until she met Phil at age 35. And Phil, battled Crohn’s all through his life as a professional mountain guide. We thank Susan for sharing her inspirational story. Look for their book “Together on top of the World.”
As my sister has CCFA I always donate my time to photographing events for posterity for the local organization. Take Steps is a new program that took place Saturday June 7th at Magnuson Park in Seattle. Here are a few pics from the event. To see more click here: www.gailannphotography.com/TakeSteps08/