For those of you that don't know, this is my third year participating in raising funds for the insidious diseases that turn so many lives upside down. I consider it an honor and can't wait to see the impact that this year will bring.

           Each year donations allow funding to happen in life saving experimental procedures and medications. For seven years I've suffered in desperation waiting for FDA approvals on life changing biological medications. Since this journey started, remissions barely came for me. I owe my first true remission that I'm having to the biological medication Humira.

            My life has been handed back to me in full throttle. Pills are now at a minimum, as are doctor visits and hospitalizations.

            Funding is needed to have the resources to continue finding more medications that drastically impact the quality of life for those in my situation. So I ask, please, if anything educate yourself on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Break this chain of silence that has overcastted all those suffering. If it is in your heart to donate please first check and see if your company does a match to match program for donations. Know that every little amount is giving the ability to find ways to ease the suffering.

            For those returning with their undying support I am forever grateful. Those of you that know my story from the previous years of support, have seen me come back from the brink of death time and time again. Sometimes I can't believe the amazing turn around that has been made on my quality of life and all from finding that right treatment. I want to be able to share with all of you that I'm doing better than I ever have since I was diagnosed. So let me say thank you for continuing help change our lives for the better. If this is your first donation than I thank you for having the courage to put towards a cause that is so unknown to the world. We need to continue to put the spotlight on research that has the potential of one day possibly turning into a cure.

            This is not just awareness for donations, but the walk is just as important. The walk spreads awareness to some who otherwise would have never heard of the devastation these diseases cause. So grab your friends, loved ones, Co- workers, absolutely anyone and get out there. Come see me and the breathtaking turn around that Humira has had on my disease. You won't believe your eyes! ...

                                                           - Ashley Pierce

Help me reach my goal

This summer, I will be walking in the Take Steps for Crohn?s & Colitis Walk. Take Steps is CCFA?s national evening walk and celebration and the nation?s largest event dedicated to finding cures for digestive diseases. It is a casual 2-3 mile stroll to raise money for crucial research ,bringing us closer to a future free from Crohn?s disease and ulcerative colitis. Over 1.4 million American adults and children are affected by these digestive diseases. While many suffer in silence, Take Steps brings together this community in a fun and energetic atmosphere, encouraging them to make noise and be heard.

Your donation will help support local patient programs, as well as important research projects. This cause is very important to me and I appreciate your help as we fight for a cure! In addition to donating, you can join me at the event. There will be food, music and kid?s activities. The more money we raise, the closer we will be to making life more manageable for patients who live with these diseases every day.

Please join me or donate to my efforts to support CCFA in finding a cure!