Dad hits the road for daughter | News | Berkeley Independent

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Dad hits the road for daughter

Published Monday, August 04, 2008 5:00 PM

By Dan Brown
Berkeley Independent

Dan Brown

Craig Nessel has taken to the road to raise funds to help benefit his daughter Emma’s treatment.

They are called Daddy’s Girls for a reason.

It’s because there is nothing in this world a Daddy won’t do for his daughter. Especially when she is sick.

When Craig Nessel’s 11-year-old daughter Emma was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in May, he found himself in the same predicament suffered by many parents whose child has become seriously ill.

They want to do something. They want to help.

“I wanted to help her out in whatever way I could,” Nessel said. “So I ended up finding the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America website. From there I was able to see that they allow you to raise funds for them by participating in various events.”

Nessel found his outlet in running, both in marathons and the shorter 13.1-mile half-marathon.

This November, Nessel will line up in the shadow of the Alamo to run in the Rock n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon and Half-Marathon Nov. 16.

His first race was the Kiawah Marathon in 2004 when he ran for Birthright of Charleston. He raised $2,500 from that race.

“Since I’ve done something like this before, I went online and started searching websites for a way to help, and found these two websites for general information for Chrone’s and colitis and then found a link that offered fundraising opportunities.”

Nessel did his research and went to work, raising a $1,000 toward his goal so far. “My goal is to raise $5,000 by race time,” he said.

Emma is one of six kids in the Nessel household in Bonneau where she is home schooled by mom Nicole. The other five Nessel siblings are: Thomas, age 9; Sophie, 6; Aidan, 4; Joseph, 2; and Max, 9 months.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Crohn's disease is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon. An estimated 1.4 million Americans suffer from some form of IBD, but Nessel says there are more out there suffering from IBD who do not come forward because of society’s stigma.

“Many more suffer in silence due to potential embarrassment and alienation,” he said. “Crohn's disease may occur in people of all ages, but it is primarily a disease of adolescents and young adults, affecting mainly those between 15 and 35.

“Ulcerative colitis can occur at any age. With Emma it was discovered when she was 11 years old.”

Nessel runs for Team Challenge, a fundraising branch that donates to The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.

“As a member of Team Challenge, I have a coach, a training program, and teammates to support me,” he said. “I have committed to a tough training schedule, and I’ve committed to raise $5,000 in donations to The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. As I run the half marathon, you will be with me in spirit, and your sponsorship will inspire me to run stronger and faster to the finish line.”

Donations can be made at Nessel’s web page www.active.com/donate/sa08national/cnessel.

Or you can mail your donation made out to the “Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America” to 688 Crawford Rd., Bonneau, SC 29431. For more information call 843-312-9452.

“A minimum of 83 cents per dollar raised by CCFA goes directly to research and patient support,” Nessel said. “Your contribution is also tax deductible. If your company matches charitable contributions, please include matching forms with your donation.

“Of course, your good wishes and prayers for Emma and for me to sustain me during training will also be graciously accepted.”

Nessel, like any parent, wants only the best for his kids.

“You don’t want to just arbitrarily resort to drugs and medication,” he said. “What I want to do is raise awareness of the disease and hopefully generate enough funds to help research find a cure.”

Running towards a possible cure and not away from the problem is Nessel’s way of helping.

“I thought this might be a good idea considering the fact that I have run that distance before and have actually done a fundraiser on my own accord nearly four years ago.

“Needless to say, I was excited about the opportunity to make a difference. I thought that getting the word out would help me with my effort, in addition to make other people aware of inflammatory bowel diseases.”

It’s all about a father wanting to help his child.

“I hope you agree with me about the importance of this cause. Contributions in any amount would be greatly appreciated,” he said.

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