“We knew we would have a bond for life,”  says East Cobber David Rones, referring to his longtime friends, Neal Maziar and Mark Schwartz. “And in fact, we have: our shared battles with  IBD – specifically, Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis.”  The three friends met 45 years ago as Alpha Epsilon Pi  (AEPi) pledge brothers at the University of Georgia.  

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic  autoimmune diseases characterized by inflammation of  the digestive tract.  

A sales and marketing executive for Americo, David  was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2015 at the age  of 54, and has had multiple surgeries since. “It came on  all of a sudden,” he explains. “I had a colonoscopy once  painful symptoms presented, and then in a span of six  months I lost 35 pounds.” 

David remembers talking to his friends, Mark and  Neal about their own symptoms.Mark was diagnosed  with Crohn’s disease 21 years ago and Neal was diag nosed with Ulcerative Colitis 28 years ago.  

David says, “Three years ago, Neal asked me to get  involved with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, helping to  raise funds. Now I am working alongside Neal and Mark  serving on the committee for the Foundation’s Torch Gala.  Our goal is simple: to continue the research and advance  new treatments that can reduce the symptoms or possibly  allow the next generatiuon to have full remission.” 

David says, “It is so beneficial to have close friends  to talk to about what we all went through – sharing the  knowledge and experiences of different medications or  doctors with one another. Now we have come full circle  working together to help the next generation.” 

“Our friendship of 40+ years has only grown stronger,” says Mark. “We have all been on different journeys  as they relate to IBD, but we are all determined with our volunteering to ensure that the future generations have  an easier road ahead.” 

“Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis can be tough and  lonely. How lucky are we to be able to lean on one  another during our respective challenges,” says Neal.  

“We worked and played hard when we were in college  together. Years later we are still playing together while  also working hard to raise awareness and money in  search of better diagnosis and treatment.”  

David adds, “The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation  does such important work for the IBD community. From  research and education, to patient support and clinical  trials. And volunteering alongside my lifelong friends is just  another reason to commit to the Foundation.” 

THE CROHN’S & COLITIS FOUNDATION  

Research studies show that approximately 1 in every  100 Americans currently have IBD, and an estimated  100,000 Georgians are affected annually by the disease.  The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is the largest non-profit  voluntary health agency dedicated to finding cures for  Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improving  the quality of life of those affected. 

TORCH GALA 

The Foundation’s Torch Gala is the largest fundraiser  of the year for the Foundation’s Georgia Chapter. The  Foundation has set a goal to raise $800,000 through its  34nd Annual Torch Gala on February 8, 2025. Proceeds  will go toward funding critical research, to better treat  and ultimately cure IBD, which include Crohn’s disease  and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the lives of children  and adults affected by these diseases.  

More information: www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/ chapters/georgia.