WASHINGTON, DC – In recognition of National Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Week, Congressman Ander Crenshaw, Co-Chairman of the Congressional Crohn’s and Colitis Caucus, today (12/4) urged all Americans to join in the fight to find the cause and cure for the devastating disease. He submitted the following Extension of Remarks in the official Congressional Record.

“I rise today in observance of National IBD Awareness Week, December 1-7, 2014, which bring attention to over 1.4 million Americans affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. These disorders impact the gastrointestinal tract, the area of the body where digestion takes place. They cause inflammation of the intestine, which leads to ongoing symptoms and complications.

“Although anyone can get IBD, it is most commonly diagnosed in adolescents and young adults between 15 and 25 years old. There is currently no known cause or cure for IBD, and individuals with IBD may suffer from various symptoms from mild to severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and intestinal bleeding. The impacts are devastating to both patients and their families.

“While we still do not have all the answers, there is hope. An increasing number of genes have been identified – over 100 today - that may cause an increase in the risk of developing IBD, confirming that IBD has a strong genetic component. With these discoveries and new technological advances, researchers are working furiously to find cures.

Despite this, the unpredictable nature of these painful and debilitating digestive diseases creates a significant burden on the community and economy. Every year, there is more than $1.26 billion in direct and indirect costs to the US healthcare system due to hospitalizations as a result of IBD complications.

“As the co-chair of the Crohn’s and Colitis Caucus, a bi-partisan group of Congressional Members dedicated to educating the public and other Members on IBD, I urge my fellow Caucus members and colleagues to join me in recognizing IBD Awareness week and the millions of Americans suffering from this disease. I would also like to take this time to honor my colleague and fellow co-chair, Jim Moran, for his leadership over the years in improving access to treatments for IBD for this vulnerable population. He has been an incredible partner in this fight to prevent and cure IBD. He will be missed in this Chamber as he moves on to the next chapter in his life.

“With the support of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, I encourage all Americans to join in the fight to cure, raise awareness, and increase research on this debilitating disease. Together, with the help of researchers, educators, medical professionals, patients, and families, we can find a cure and end this devastating disease for millions of people around the world.”

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