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Created: October 03 2014

SOUTH FLORIDA -  Since a very young age, Steve Sager has always seen the affects of Crohn's disease. He grew up watching his mother battle the disease. With a number of surgeries, limited meal options, and a constant uphill battle, Steve also watched his mother fight. It is because of her that he, along with his wife Rebecca, have dedicated themselves to creating awareness and supporting efforts to find a cure for the debilitating digestive diseases that affect more than 1.4 million Americans.

"I've watched my mother, and now I am watching my nephew, guide through life with Crohn's disease," said Steve Sager. "It is incredible to see all of the advances and the medicines that are now available to those living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. I know deep in my heart that we are getting close to a cure and I want to be a part of that. My wife and I want to be a part of the reason those we love, and those everywhere, do not have to suffer any more."

It is because of this dedication that the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America has recognized the Sager's as Honorees of this year's An Evening of Hope at the Boardwalk event.

"This recognition is given each year to an individual or family who gives hope and inspiration to those suffering from Crohn's and colitis," said Katie Keohane, executive director of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's Florida Chapter. "The Sager's have provided incredible support to our organization through their efforts over the years. This recognition is our way of saying thank you for their steadfast dedication to our mission and tireless efforts to help find a cure."

An Evening of Hope at the Boardwalk will take place on November 15, 2014 at The Atlantic Hotel & Spa, located at 601 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. Festivities for the casual event begin at 6:00 p.m. and will include cocktails, passed and stationed hors 'd oeuvres, entertainment and more. Guests can also take a chance in the silent auction, which will feature items such as jewelry and fabulous vacation packages.

All funds raised from this incredible event will support research, educational programs, summer camps, support groups, and more for children and adults affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Tickets for An Evening of Hope are $175 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information visit www.ccfa.org/chapters/florida or call 561-218-2929.

About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery. These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, with more than 82 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org). For more information, contact the Foundation at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org. Join CCFA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ccfafb and follow CCFA and Take Steps on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ccfa and www.twitter.com/takesteps.