Margaret Suanne Bone is a Nashville-based supporter of the fight against Crohn’s Disease. As an avid runner, she has completed two half marathons in honor of her brother, who suffers from Crohn’s. The entire Bone family is active in the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). Below, Margaret Suanne Bone explains why Crohn’s disease can take a physical and emotional toll on those individuals suffering from this disease.

Interviewing Experts:  What exactly is Crohn’s Disease?

Margaret Suanne Bone:  Crohn’s disease belongs to a condition known as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD).  It’s a chronic inflammatory of the gastrointestinal tract.

Interviewing Experts: What are the symptoms of Crohn’s?

Margaret Suanne Bone:  Symptoms vary from person to person but the most common are diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps and pain, constipation, loss of appetite, and fatigue.

Interviewing Experts: You mentioned it’s a chronic disease. What does this mean for the patient?

Margaret Suanne Bone: Chronic means patients experience periods when the disease flares up and causes symptoms, followed by periods of remission when no symptoms are noticed at all.

Interviewing Experts: So this can be emotionally draining.

Margaret Suanne Bone: Yes, if symptoms are severe, one’s life may be consumed by a constant need to run to the restroom. Some people choose not to leave the house at all, which can lead to depression.

Interviewing Experts: Who is mostly affected by this disease?

Margaret Suanne Bone: Crohn’s disease affects more than 700,000 Americans. Crohn’s is more prevalent among young adults between the ages of 15 and 35.

Interviewing Experts: Tell us a little about the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.

Margaret Suanne Bone: CCFA is a non-profit organization made up of volunteers dedicated to finding the cures for Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis.

Interviewing Experts: Your family is active in this organization. How can people get involved with this non-profit?

Margaret Suanne Bone: CCFA has chapters in many cities, mainly in the Midwest and along the east coast. They always need volunteers, donors, advocates, sponsors, and members.

Margaret Suanne Bone also points out that a productive way to be active in CCFA is to participate in the “Take Steps, Be Heard for Crohn’s & Colitis” nationwide fundraising walks. For more information about CCFA and Crohn’s disease, visit ccfa.org.