Walkers taking steps for Crohn's

Source: http://www.timminspress.com/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=548819&catname=Local+News


A local teenager diagnosed with Crohn's disease is asking Timmins residents to join him at Gillies Lake on Sunday for the ninth-annual Heel 'n' Wheel-a-thon.

Aaron Cividino, 15, is this year's honorary chairman of the event, which each year raises funds for Crohn's and Colitis research.

Cividino, a Grade 9 student at Roland Michener Secondary School, was diagnosed with Crohn's about a year and a half ago, but he said his doctors believe he has been living with the disease for at least five years.

It's his experience with the inflammatory bowel disease that prompted him to accept an invitation to be this year's honorary chairperson.

"Crohn's is a chronic disease but it is seldom fatal," Aaron said. "It can affect almost any part of the digestive tract and restricts the body from being able to absorb proper amounts of nutrients. In most cases, it creates a lot of pain in the lower abdomen."

After being diagnosed with Crohn's, Aaron and his family turned to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. He began attending monthly meetings and said he was surprised to learn how many others are going through the same situation.

As the honorary chairman, Aaron said he is looking to bring in more participants to the walk than ever before.

"So far, I am able to live a fairly normal life and do the things other teens do, but I know that this could change at any time," he said. "I live day-to-day hoping that I will stay healthy and that a cure will be found in my lifetime."

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Timmins affiliate president Diane Belanger said Aaron was a natural selection to help promote this year's event. Being so young, Aaron is proof that Crohn's and Colitis can affect anyone.

"We get maybe 100 participants each year but we'd like to see more," she said. "This year, we've added a family theme and we'll have a barbecue, a DJ and lots of games for children. We are also once again going to have a classic car show. Anyone with a vintage car they wish to show off is welcome to join in."

The foundation has set a fundraising goal of $14,000 - a realistic goal, Belanger said, since last year's event raised about $13,000. Prizes will be awarded to various participants and to top-pledge earners. Registration takes place at 11 a.m. and the walk gets underway at 1 p.m.