LEWISTON, Idaho - As the younger sister of a Crohn’s disease patient, Jennifer Howlett grew up learning how to help with family needs and watching her sister suffer through the misdiagnosis of her symptoms.
“Throughout the time of her battle, I was too young to be of any real help,” said Howlett, who is Vice President of the Associated Students of Lewis-Clark State College.
Howlett’s sister is now an adult and in remission thanks to many surgeries and research done by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation (CCFA). She is managing Team Challenge Seattle, the endurance training program that raises funds for the CCFA.
“I am a teammate of Team Challenge and am running a half marathon and raising funds to support this research and can now actually do something to help!” Howlett said “This team is so crucial because it provides most of the funding for the CCFA which is the main research and development foundation that has identified and is solving the problems of Crohn’s disease. Last year the CCFA stated that if we keep the current momentum, we can cure Crohn’s disease altogether in 10 years. I would really like to see this happen, especially for all of those who suffer.”
Howlett said she would also like to bring awareness to the Valley about the disease and how embarrassing and difficult a disease it really is.
“More people have it than you think, and I want to be able to provide those people in the Valley with the most recent information.”
To raise awareness, Howlett is organizing “Bowling For Bowels” from 7 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 at Lancer Lanes in Clarkston. It’s an evening of unlimited bowling (including shoes), family fun, disco lights, music, raffles, dessert, and more. All for just $7. Children are free. To purchase tickets or donate to the cause, or for more information contact Jennifer Howlett at [email protected].