Phil's Buffalo Marathon: Funding Crohn's & Colitis Research

On May 25, 2025, I'll be running the Buffalo Marathon—my second ever full marathon—to raise funds and awareness for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.

In 2019, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Soon after, my symptoms began to rapidly worsen, ultimately landing me in the hospital for over a month. The disease led to serious complications—including a severe infection and life-threatening sepsis. I required emergency surgery to remove part of my colon just to stay alive.

In the years that followed, I explored numerous treatments to manage the disease, but continued to face persistent symptoms - chronic inflammation, recurrent bleeding, and intense pain that significantly impacted my quality of life. Eventually, I decided to undergo a total colectomy and now live with what is a permanent ileostomy. Though difficult, this decision has allowed me to reclaim my life and health.

This journey has transformed my perspective on what's possible. In 2024, I ran my first ever half and full marathons — milestones that seemed utterly impossible during those darkest days in the hospital. Now in 2025, I'm taking on the Buffalo Marathon not just as a personal challenge, but as a way to help raise awareness, inspire others living with IBD, and support a cause that's deeply personal to me.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation—whose mission is "to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and improve quality of life"—has already invested over $500 million in research and patient support. They are leading the charge in funding critical research, advocating for patients, and providing resources to improve their quality of life. Unfortunately, these diseases still don't have a cure — but with every step I take and every dollar we raise, we're moving closer, together.

If you're able, I'd be grateful for your support. Whether it's a donation of any size or simply sharing my story with your network, every bit of assistance helps fund innovative research and support services for the millions battling these challenging diseases.