NEW YORK, April 29, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The number of children with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in the US is growing at rapid, alarming rate. Fifteen-year-old Molly Roberts is one of an estimated 50,000 people under the age of 20 with IBD. Instead of suffering in silence, the Crohn's patient is using her voice to find cures for the 1.4 million Americans suffering with IBD with the release of her single "Champion," now available on iTunes. All the proceeds from the new single will be donated to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA).
"When I was 11 years old my whole world changed. I experienced intense stomach pain, unbearable fatigue and weight loss. After a series of tests, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease," said Roberts. "Most people would think that the news would be devastating to a sixth grader who is barely old enough to understand. But those who know me best would say that it opened up my mind to new opportunities to make this world a better place."
Now in high school, the young activist, entrepreneur, and now singer/songwriter will be performing her single "Champion," a song she wrote about her struggles with Crohn's disease, for a crowd of friends and family on May 2nd at The Saloon, in her hometown of Manhattan, New York. Roberts has performed all over New York City, and is currently working on finishing her first album. She uses her music to spread awareness about Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as IBD. The teenager also sells her own line of handmade jewelry, Jewelry by Molly Roberts, with proceeds going to IBD research.
"If I choose to focus on the negative, I could tell you what it feels like to be anemic all the time, to go for blood tests every three months, to feel different from other kids my age, but that would be a waste of my time. So I will tell you about the positive instead: Crohn's Disease has given me a unique perspective on what is important in life and a desire to help others who experience bumps in the road," said Roberts.
You can support Roberts and the IBD community when you download her single here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/champion/id857813417?i=857813619&uo=4
Check out Molly's video for her single here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vij_pN2mV7E
Nearly one fourth of people with IBD, are diagnosed during the childhood or teenage years. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere along the digestive track, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever, fatigue and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery. These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease.
About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is the largest voluntary non-profit health organization dedicated to finding cures for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). CCFA's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who suffer from these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research, providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public, and furnishing supportive services for those afflicted with IBD. For more information, visit www.ccfa.org, call 888-694-8872, like us on Facebook, find us on LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter and Pinterest.