Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Chapter
The Mission:
To find a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases.
The Organization:
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is a national organization founded in 1967 and is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (these diseases are collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD). The Foundation ranks third among health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to mission-critical programs, with over 80% of every dollar going towards research, education, and support. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation funds studies at major medical institutions, nurtures investigators at the beginning of their careers, and finances underdeveloped areas of research. Since inception, the Foundation has invested over $350 million in research.
Their Constituents:
More than 3.1 million Americans, including over 80,000 patients living in the Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Chapter area, suffer from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases affect one in 100 Americans including more than 300,000 children. The average age of diagnosis is between 17-35 with the highest increase among those under the age of 18.