Please Help Support The Eizen’s Fight Crohn’s and Colitis!
October 9th, 2008A message from our friends and JBB Fantastic Fans Buz and Irene Eizen:
“Buz and I will be walking in the Miami half-marathon for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America on January 25, 2009. The research monies granted by CCFA to worthy doctors and scientists throughout the United States have grown by 250% over the last two years to $16,000,000. Over the next three years, the annual research budget will grow to $30,000,000 per year. Progress to finding a cure is being made.”
Please help support Buz and Irene and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation by clicking on this LINK or on the Team Challenge banner on the right sidebar.
Irene, a year ago you and Buz made us all so proud with your walking 13 miles for the Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Foundation, and being one of the highest achievers in contributions. Buz was so deservedly honored with the Foundation’s Man of the Year award for 2007, and so movingly told of the struggles of your children, especially your son, with this affliction.
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.
Comment by Howard Tucker — October 9, 2008 @ 9:20 am
Irene & Buz…you know that you have my full support again this year! I would love to walk with you guys on 25 January in Miami; can guests register for your team? Howard…I will definitely need you to be my long-distance motivational coach!
Comment by NewJerseyLasagna — October 9, 2008 @ 10:31 am
Absolutely, Cynthia. You are on my team! Can you e-mail me with your telephone number? I will call you. You are the best! Thank you, Cynthia, Howard and everyone. Love and hugs, Irene
Comment by irene eizen — October 9, 2008 @ 11:54 am