Quarterback David Garrard Raises Money for Crohn's Disease Research
Following a successful treatment regimen, Garrard returned to the playing field and in 2007 led the team to its first playoff win in eight years.
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February 1, 2010
Before the start of the 2004 football season, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard began experiencing symptoms of Crohn's disease, including significant weight loss, and missed several weeks of pre-season training. Following a successful treatment regimen, Garrard returned to the playing field and in 2007 led the team to its first playoff win in eight years.
The athlete is also determined to make a difference in the lives of fellow survivors, and has used his fame to help raise money to fund Crohn's disease research and education. For the purpose, he has partnered with The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) and, as part of the program, $10,000 was donated to the CCFA for each of the 18 touchdowns Garrard scored during the 2009 football season, for a total of $180,000.
Garrard said that the initiative gave him an additional incentive to score touchdowns and that "it has been my goal to raise awareness of this debilitating disease and to help inspire other people who are living with [it]."
"I want people to know that if I can overcome this condition and still live a happy and healthy life, they can too," he added.
According to researchers, Crohn's disease affects between 400,000 and 600,000 people in North America. The cause of the condition is unknown, but patients can take steps to reduce its severity.
WebMD.com suggests that a healthy diet, refraining from smoking as well as regular exercise can significantly improve the quality of life. Meanwhile, keeping in touch with the healthcare provider and taking medicines regularly can help keep the disease in remission.
Survivors and their loved ones may consult the CCFA website to access valuable resources that may help them live thriving lives.
Before the start of the 2004 football season, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard began experiencing symptoms of Crohn's disease, including significant weight loss, and missed several weeks of pre-season training. Following a successful treatment regimen, Garrard returned to the playing field and in 2007 led the team to its first playoff win in eight years.
The athlete is also determined to make a difference in the lives of fellow survivors, and has used his fame to help raise money to fund Crohn's disease research and education. For the purpose, he has partnered with The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) and, as part of the program, $10,000 was donated to the CCFA for each of the 18 touchdowns Garrard scored during the 2009 football season, for a total of $180,000.
Garrard said that the initiative gave him an additional incentive to score touchdowns and that "it has been my goal to raise awareness of this debilitating disease and to help inspire other people who are living with [it]."
"I want people to know that if I can overcome this condition and still live a happy and healthy life, they can too," he added.
According to researchers, Crohn's disease affects between 400,000 and 600,000 people in North America. The cause of the condition is unknown, but patients can take steps to reduce its severity.
WebMD.com suggests that a healthy diet, refraining from smoking as well as regular exercise can significantly improve the quality of life. Meanwhile, keeping in touch with the healthcare provider and taking medicines regularly can help keep the disease in remission.
Survivors and their loved ones may consult the CCFA website to access valuable resources that may help them live thriving lives.
