We talked last year about David Garrard, who deals with Crohn’s each day, and led the Jacksonville Jaguars to a football division championship in 2007. Arguably the most famous survivor of Crohn’s, Rolf Benirschke of the San Diego Chargers, developed ulcerative colitis before his rookie year in 1978. Despite spending weeks on end in the hospital, removal of his large intestine, and his weight dropping to 123 pounds (at 6′ tall), he eventually resumed his football career and later he joined Vanna White to become the daytime host of “Wheel of Fortune”.

Since last year, my friend Priscilla, whom many of the Jersey Boys fans know, informed me that her daughter’s best friend, now in medical school, has been fighting Crohn’s since high school. I volunteer with the Achilles Track Club, a walking/running club for the disabled, and one of our members is fighting Crohn’s, indeed a disabling affliction, although not a visible one. Finally, a few weeks ago, while waiting for a plane at Newark airport, I spotted a middle aged woman wearing a Crohn’s Foundation T-shirt. I asked her how she became involved, and she told me her 17-year old son suffers from Crohn’s. She was active in a New York City chapter.

I applaud your and Buz’s efforts to bring us closer to a cure. I remember when your son had his life-saving surgery; I can’t tell you how happy I am it was successful, and as you’ve explained, gave him his life back. I am more than happy to contribute and am thrilled that our Jersey Boys family is helping as well. While no one is keeping a scorecard, we are overjoyed to return all the goodness you and Buz impart, Irene. Can’t wait to hear from you at the finish line this year. I’m sure we’ll all be cheering for you and Buz once again.