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Slocum Is New Spokesman for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
With over 1.4 million Americans of all ages, races, and backgrounds suffering from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis - two painful and often debilitating chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation has announced its partnership with Heath Slocum, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour.
The partnership will enable the Foundation to close in on its mission of increasing awareness about Crohn's and colitis, funding research for better therapies and a cure, and providing education and support to those living with these diseases.
Sidelined from golf in 1997 after the onset of ulcerative colitis, Slocum experienced the painful and debilitating effects of the disease, quickly losing nearly 30 pounds. But with the help of medication and doctors' care, a year and a half later Slocum was back on the golf course and on his way to rejoining the PGA Tour in 2000.
"When I was first diagnosed with ulcerative colitis over 11 years ago, I had never heard of this chronic disease," said Slocum. "Yet today, millions of Americans are still suffering from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and living day-to-day not knowing when they require a hospital stay or miss work for days or months on end. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation recognizes the need to raise awareness, find better therapies and a cure, and provide much-needed education and support, and I am looking forward to working with the Foundation to raise awareness about how we can all help patients suffering win back their lives."
After enjoying his best year in 2007, when he finished 30th on the PGA Tour Money List, Slocum hit the ground running in 2008. He recently finished fourth in the 2008 Travelers Championship. Other top finishes include a T5th in the 2008 Wachovia Championship, T9th in the 2008 U.S. Open Championship, and T8th at the 2008 AT&T Classic. Slocum currently ranks 57th on the PGA Tour Money List. He also ranks first in the Tour's Proximity to the Hole Ranking and fifth in Driving Accuracy Percentage.
About Crohn's Disease and 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 of America
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 dedicated to mission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (www.give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (www.charitywatch.org). For more information, contact the Foundation at 800/932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org.
