2019 Annual Appeal

Dear Friend of the Digestive Health Foundation,

From the recent epidemic of colon cancer in younger individuals to the rapidly increasing incidence of esophageal diseases among young women; from the growing population of adults facing fatty liver disease to the debilitating symptoms of colitis or Crohn’s disease, or the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, more than 1 in 5 Americans will face a digestive disease in their lifetime. These illnesses can often be invisible while causing pain, suffering, or worse. We need your help.

Before becoming a patient at the Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Center, Jason was living the best way he knew how—by surviving each day through a fog of fatigue, pain, and confusing symptoms. A seemingly vibrant young man on the outside, Jason lived in the isolation of his debilitating symptoms. Afraid and confused, Jason pressed on, trying his best to further his education, career, and relationships. It wasn’t until Jason found the team at the Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Center (DHC) that his life began to change. Through world-class care and unwavering support, Jason was able to renew his dreams for the future. But Jason’s story is just one of many.

The Digestive Health Foundation is changing the landscape of digestive disease by empowering doctors and scientists to find solutions for the millions waiting for better treatments and cures. The DHF BioRepository offers researchers unprecedented opportunity to accelerate research studies at an exponential rate. Recently, DHC scientists identified links between inflammation and cancer, and DHF-supported esophageal research has catalyzed larger, critical NIH grants to study how the esophagus responds to injury. This is the next generation of medical research. With DHC physician scientists, DHF is leading the way.

Our pursuit of better quality of life for each and every patient suffering from digestive illness is dependent on collaboration with people like you. We ask that you give today, so we can transform digestive disease into digestive health.

Sincerely,
With gratitude,

Lee A. Gould
President, Digestive Health Foundation