HLN Meteorologist Recommits to Raise Public Awareness of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation today announced that Bob Van Dillen, meteorologist for HLN's "Morning Express with Robin Meade," will again serve as honorary Chairman of its endurance training and fundraising program, Team Challenge (http://www. ccteamchallenge. org). As Honorary Chairman, Van Dillen is training for the December 5th Zappos. com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon and raising crucial dollars for the Foundation’s research, education, and support services.
New York, NY (Vocus) October 20, 2010 —
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation today announced that Bob Van Dillen, meteorologist for HLN's "Morning Express with Robin Meade," will again serve as honorary Chairman of its endurance training and fundraising program, Team Challenge (http://www. ccteamchallenge. org). As Honorary Chairman, Van Dillen is training for the December 5th Zappos. com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon and raising crucial dollars for the Foundation’s research, education, and support services. Van Dillen is participating in event weekend alongside hundreds of other runners and walkers from around the country because he wants to help raise awareness and funds for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, chronic, painful, and often debilitating digestive diseases affecting 1.4 million American children and adults.
"I'm honored that the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation has continued to bring me back as honorary Chairman for this event," commented Van Dillen. "Chances are, there are hundreds — if not thousands — of 'Morning Express with Robin Meade' viewers out there who are affected by Crohn's and colitis. Participating in Team Challenge allows me to help the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation in its mission to fund critical research and find better therapies — and ultimately, a cure," said Van Dillen.
In this role, Van Dillen is helping to raise public awareness about Team Challenge and Crohn's and colitis to "Morning Express with Robin Meade" viewers on-air and through the show’s blog site (http://mxp. blogs. cnn. com/); raising funds via his personal fundraising web page (http://www. active. com/donate/lv10georgia/LVBVanDi); and motivating hundreds of Team Challenge participants. At various events throughout race weekend, Van Dillen will help the Foundation thank participants for helping the Foundation come closer to a cure, build up excitement for the 13.1 mile race, and celebrate with runner and walkers.
Van Dillen trained for the 2009 Zappos. com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon and for the 2009 Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon with Team Challenge while serving as Honorary Chairman for the Foundation.
"We are thrilled to have HLN's Bob Van Dillen working alongside the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation once again to raise awareness of these diseases that people are often embarrassed to discuss with others," says Staci Brown, Event Director at the Foundation. "Bob's involvement has been critical in helping the Foundation raise awareness about inflammatory bowel diseases."
Van Dillen is a meteorologist for HLN. Based in CNN's world headquarters in Atlanta, Van Dillen joined the network in September 2002. Before joining HLN, Van Dillen was with the NBC affiliate WCNC in Charlotte, N. C., where he was a weekend meteorologist. Before this position, he was the morning meteorologist with CBS affiliate WTVH in Syracuse, N. Y., where he had also served as the weekend meteorologist. Previously, Van Dillen worked for ABC affiliate WUTR in Utica, N. Y., where he served as chief meteorologist. He began his career in Long Island, N. Y., as a forecaster for the Metro Weather Service. Van Dillen was awarded the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Seal of Approval in March 1997. He also is a full member of the AMS. Van Dillen earned a bachelor of science degree in meteorology from Millersville University in Pennsylvania.
About Crohn's Disease & 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
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 79 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 http://www. ccfa. org.
Media Contact:
Ariella Levine
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
646-943-7430
###
