Group wishes to travel for fundraising event

Last year around mid-September a group of current and former Wahkiakum County residents had the opportunity to step foot on Centurylink Field (the Seattle Seahawks’ stadium) while raising awareness for a chronic autoimmune disorder called Crohn's Disease. “A Touch of Football," an annual flag football tournament, has since been organized and hosted by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, “a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cures for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative colitis” (CCFA.org).

Justin McClain, a resident of Skamokawa, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease 10 years ago at the age of 13, but gained a close following of friends and family who have continued to support the stability of his mental and physical health. Subsequently, in 2014 that circle of supporters, led by McClain, raised over 3,500 dollars in donations as their minimum goal for participating in the CCFA flag football tournament.

Hundreds of supporters visited Seahawks stadium to witness teams of family, friends, and celebrities playing flag football and all the while supporting their loved one’s path to a healthier life. ESPN Broadcaster Kenny Mayne, Mike Mccready of Pearl Jam, Duff Mckagan of Guns N’ Roses are just a few of the many celebrities who participate each year. McClain’s team, “The Rolling Crohn’s,” includes himself, Andrew Weiler, Peter Weiler, Blake Anderson, Joel Nicolazzi, Bryce McClain, and Ty Briscoe. Altogether the team will have to raise 3,500 dollars by September 12 to guarantee a spot in the tournament.

If you or someone you know is affected by Crohn's disease or Ulcerative colitis and would like to support The Rolling Crohn’s journey back to Centurylink Field, the Cathlamet Bank of Pacific has created a “CCFA Donation Account” which will accept donations from all members of the community through September 5. To learn more about CCFA and “A Touch of Football for Crohn’s and Colitis,” visit ccfa.org.

For questions regarding donations or event details contact Andrew Weiler at andrewgweiler@gmail.com.

--Submitted by Andrew Weiler and Justin McClain