Last year, 2003 Great Comebacks^® recipient Lisa Andrews had to settle for cheering on the sidelines for the members of Team Great Comebacks^® at the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s Team Challenge Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon event due to a recent diagnosis of breast cancer.

This year, however, on July 18, a 48-year-old, cancer-free Lisa triumphantly crossed the finish line with her husband Mark and 15-year-old daughter Sara by her side. As Lisa completed the walk with tears of joy swelling in her eyes, the announcer read the back of Lisa’s jersey, “In honor of ostomates.”

“It was so overwhelming,” said Lisa. “To know that I was able to set a goal and achieve it meant so much to me, especially since I participated in the walk to show others that you can have an ostomy and still do anything.” Lisa has been living with Crohn’s disease since 1985, and an ileostomy since 1996.

Lisa and her family raised nearly $8,000 for Team Challenge, which will go to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis research. Through the Great Comebacks^® program, ConvaTec proudly supported Lisa in her efforts by donating $2,000.

The next Team Challenge event this year is the Rock ‘n Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon on December 5, which will start and finish on the Las Vegas strip. “I highly encourage everyone interested to participate,” said Lisa, who has already contacted CCFA to volunteer at next year’s marathon in Napa. “For me it was an exciting, rewarding and uplifting experience.”

For more information on how you can get involved with Team Great Comebacks^®, please email us at GreatComebacks@ConvaTec.com

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation (CCFA)

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's (CCFA) 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 81 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends going 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.