Get involved with Team Challenge

I have been sick with Crohn’s Disease for the past 15 years. I’ve had five major surgeries and have had my large intestine, ileum, rectum, appendix and gall bladder removed.

I learned about the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s half marathon training program, Team Challenge, at a local support group meeting. I signed up as the team honoree. I shared my story at the local information meetings so participants would have a better understanding of my daily battle. I was so touched at each meeting learning why people were signing up. After the first couple meetings, I decided to sign up and be a part of the team.

I’ve always said that I was envious of others who were half marathoners. I wanted to be part of that elite group. I didn’t do this with a family member or friend; I went to training on my own to meet up with my new friends and teammates. My family was nervous about me signing up and thought that I would become too worn out. It is a true mental game not to give up. It’s always been so easy for me to say, “Oh well, I don’t feel good so I’m not going. No big deal”. I’m happy to say I proved myself wrong.

My excitement level was through the roof when I arrived in Vegas. Every time I walked through the lobby or went somewhere with my teammates, we would run into someone else who was part of Team Challenge.

There were 964 Team Challenge racers from all over the United States, and we raised more than $3.7 million! I was nervous and scared at first, but felt amazing walking my 13.1 miles. I’m happy to say that I had a huge smile on my face the whole way.

I crossed the finish line in 3 hours and 42 minutes. I am now part of an elite group of people. I am officially a half-marathoner! I would never have done this if it wasn’t for Team Challenge. CCFA and my teammates supported me the whole way and this truly was one of the best experiences of my life.

I will be coming back this season as the team honoree for Team Challenge Central Florida’s next race, the Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon in June.

Please visit www.ccteamchallenge.org or call Lindsey Gardner at 646-875-2079 to learn more and to RSVP for our upcoming informational meetings.

-—Denise Bisceglie

Lake Mary resident