First Annual Observance of World IBD Day Draws Awareness to Growing Global Incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

New York, New York (Vocus) April 30, 2010

The international community of IBD patient groups will join thousands of gastroenterologists from around the world to launch the first international ?World IBD Day? dedicated to Crohn?s disease and ulcerative colitis during the 2010 Digestive Disease Week (DDW) annual conference (May 2 -5) in New Orleans.

IBD, which stands for inflammatory bowel disease, is comprised of Crohn?s disease and ulcerative colitis - two serious, chronic digestive diseases that affect five million people worldwide (1.4 in the U.S. alone). Crohn?s disease and ulcerative colitis directly affect the digestive system and cause intestinal tissue to become inflamed, form sores and bleed easily. There is no cure, no known cause, and little public understanding of the pain and chronic suffering which IBD patients courageously cope with every day of their lives.

The World IBD Day event, led by patient organizations representing 27 countries on four continents, will officially be celebrated on May 19, 2010. Patient groups from the United States, Canada, Australia, 23 European nations, and Brazil are working in collaboration with the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) to draw awareness to IBD. At DDW, the patient group organizers will present the event?s new website and Twitter account aimed at increasing worldwide visibility of these disabling digestive diseases that are often misunderstood or unknown by the general public. Educational materials and other tools designed to increase public awareness will be distributed at the conference.

?Our Foundation is thrilled to be officially joining forces with an international group of patient-based organizations who share in our goals of promoting IBD research and supporting patients and families with the education they need to do well,? says Rick Geswell, President of the Crohn?s & Colitis Foundation of America. ?It is crystal-clear that the challenges and opportunities of Crohn?s disease and ulcerative colitis do not respect national borders.?

?We believe there are synergies in research endeavors and opportunities to ease patient suffering by sharing information and approaches with a world-wide community. World IBD Day is a great symbol for what we can achieve in a broader, global context,? added Marco Greco, Chairman of the European Federation of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA), which represents 23 European nations.

From a patient perspective, IBD can be isolating and it is important for others to know they are not alone. To complement World IBD efforts, celebrities such as NHL hockey player Fernando Pisani are helping to decrease the isolation and stigma of IBD by sharing their experiences. Since his diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, the Edmonton Oiler right winger has become a leading advocate for people with IBD in Canada.

?Hockey players often take their health for granted,? says Pisani. ?That all changed for me in 2005 when I started feeling sick. I lost about 40 pounds and lots of blood. You play 80 to 100 hockey games a year with pre-season and the playoffs and you start to feel invincible, then something like this comes along and knocks you out."

IBD patient groups are also joining forces for the first time with the World Gastroenterology Organization, thus bringing together patient and medical organizations. Every year, the WGO launches a digestive health campaign entitled ?The World Digestive Health Day (WDHD)? and this year it will focus on raising awareness about Crohn?s disease and ulcerative colitis.

?While IBD is considered a disease of developed nations through the latter half of the 20th century, it now affects persons on all continents,? says Dr. Charles Bernstein, campaign leader of WGO?s World Digestive Health Day 2010. ?The evolution of IBD in emerging nations may provide clues to its etiology, so it is incumbent upon us to ensure that diagnosis and management of IBD can be optimized everywhere. It is my honor to chair this effort on behalf of the World Gastroenterology Organization and to lend our support to the IBD patient groups organizing World IBD Day.?

Collectively, the patient organizations leading the World IBD Day campaign have contributed well in excess of $ 250 million to basic and clinical IBD research over the past 43 years. This has resulted in the development of new drugs and diagnostics, improving the prospects of patients for longer and healthier lives. But the search for better approaches with fewer side effects, and ultimately, prevention and cure is more ambitious than ever, as scientific advances in genomics and genetics allow for more profound discoveries.

About Crohn?s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (IBD)

?Although IBD is treatable with a number of medications and surgeries, it is still not curable.

?Diagnosis can be complicated and take many years.

?The incidence of Crohn?s disease and ulcerative have increased steadily in the past 50 years ? especially among youth.

?The age of disease onset typically peaks in adolescent and young adult years, with a second peak in adults over the age of 60.

?Children diagnosed with Crohn?s disease and ulcerative colitis are vulnerable to growth delays with irreversible consequences, making pediatric IBD a critical health issue.

?IBD often imposes a significant impact on the quality of life through ongoing symptoms, reduced ability to work, social stigma, bathroom access, difficulty with physical intimacy, and a restriction in career choices.

Please visit http://www.worldibdday.com for more information, including links to the patient groups listed below. The patient organizations will also be represented at booth 1550 during Digestive Disease Week.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Crohn?s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)

Marie Granieri, Senior Director of Marketing

mgranieri(at)ccfa(dot)org

(00) 1 212 685 3440

Crohn?s and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC)

Jacqueline Waldorf, Manager of Marketing and Communications

jwaldorf(at)ccfc(dot)ca

(00) 1 800 387 1479

Crohn?s and Colitis Australia (CCA)

Alison McClelland, PR and Communications Manager

alison(at)crohnsandcolitis(dot)com(dot)au

(011) 61 3 9815 1266

Association Brazilia Colitis Ulcerosa & Crohns (ABCD)

Dr. Flavio Steinwurtz

steinwu(at)attglobal(dot)net

(011) 55 3064 2992

National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease (NACC)

Richard Driscoll

Richard.Driscoll(at)NACC(dot)org(dot)uk

(44) 0 1727 844296

European Federation of Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA)

Marco Greco

marco.greco(at)efcca.org

(011) 39 338 923 9700

World Gastroenterology Association (WGO)

Tuija Rytk?nen

Tuija.Rytkoenen(at)worldgastroenterology(dot)org

(011) 49 89 4141 9241

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Private Trade Winds, Inc., the Nation?s Leading Supplier of Luxury Villa Rentals, Speaks on a Distinguished Panel at the 16th Annual Luxury Real Estate Conference

Newport Beach, California (PRWEB) October 25, 2011

A panel of five leading experts in the luxury segment of the travel industry gathered at the 16th Annual Luxury Real Estate Conference at the Grand Del Mar in San Diego, to share their insights on a rapidly growing trend in the travel industry known as Villa Vacations. Piers Brown, Founder of Fractional Life was the moderator, and asked the panel timely and poignant questions.

Irene Aviles, Founder and President of Private Trade Winds brought her company?s philosophy to the table and shared what she calls the hybrid club concept. ?Through the years I have bought into almost every type of vacation ownership there is ? Fractionals, Timeshares, Destination Clubs, you name it. There were plusses and minuses to each one. I wanted to create a company that embodied the best elements of each concept, and leave the rest behind. I wanted a low-cost alternative to high-priced destination clubs ? and in April 2007, out of my own love of travel, and my experience in vacation home ownership, Private Trade Winds was born.?

One of the main topics the panel covered was the need to set industry standards for villa travel in the marketplace; at this time the term ?villa? remains undefined. Taking the charge, Private Trade Winds has partnered with The Travel Institute in writing the first Villa Certification Course. The course, titled ?Villa Specialist? not only defines villa travel, but also classifies villas as Modern and Classic. Travel Agents who complete the course will become Certified Villa Specialists and receive continuing education credits. Liza Hogan, President at Resort Rating Specialist, also sat on the panel and was in agreement that an industry standard should be established. Ms. Hogan?s Denver based company rates resorts and vacation rental properties.

The Conference speaker, Robert Frank spoke on the role of the high net-worth in the economic boom and bust. Frank writes The Wall Street Journal's Wealth Report, a blog focused on the culture and economy of the wealthy. He is also the author of the bestselling book "Richistan" and the newly released "The High Beta Rich."

Private Trade Winds, Inc., is located in Newport Beach, California and has recently announced a 96% client satisfaction rate in their first five years of business. In addition to being a villa supplier with over 400 villas in their portfolio, the company also offers a managed Trade Program for vacation homeowners. Private Trade Winds markets directly to the traveler, and enjoys partnering with Travel Agents, Real Estate Agents and Developers. For more information please call Judy Sweetland at 866-789-4589 Ext. 804 or email jsweetland(at)privatetradewinds(dot)(com).

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maurices Holds Second Annual ?Rescues & Runways? with ASPCA Campaign to Showcase and Help Homeless Pets

Duluth, MN (Vocus) August 24, 2010

The nation?s economy is slowly rebounding, but many are still feeling the effects. Animal shelters across the United States are reporting an increase of pet relinquishments and a decrease in financial support.

One year after its first-ever Rescues & Runways, maurices is again launching a nationwide effort in conjunction with the ASPCA? (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals?) to raise awareness of and support for homeless pets.

?Animal shelters across the country need our support ? this has never been more apparent than it is today,? said John Schroeder, maurices? Senior Vice President of Stores. ?Last year, we were overwhelmed and inspired by how many maurices customers stepped up to the plate by supporting our Rescues & Runways campaign. It set the tone for us to make this year?s campaign bigger and even more meaningful.?

During the month of September, more than 750 maurices stores in 44 states will accept monetary donations through the Rescues & Runways drive. Several stores will also be collecting pet supplies, with all financial and supply donations going directly to their local animal shelter partner. In addition, many stores will host Rescues & Runways fashion shows with local models wearing the latest fall looks from maurices and walking the runway with pets that are available for adoption. Customers who show their support for Rescues & Runways will receive a coupon for 20 percent off one regular-priced item.

In celebration of the bond between people and their pets, maurices will sell its exclusive Friends for Life charm in stores and online from now through October 31, or while supplies last. Pet owners can wear half of the charm, and their pets can wear the other half. The Friends for Life Charm is $ 5, and for every charm purchased, $ 2.50 will go to the ASPCA to support its national programs.

?What we love about this campaign is that there are so many simple but powerful ways people can help,? said Elysia Howard, Vice President of Marketing & Licensing for the ASPCA. ?However people choose to get involved ? either through buying a Friends for Life charm, donating to their local animal shelter, or even welcoming a pet into their home through adoption, they will be doing their part to help save animals? lives.?

The ASPCA will receive a minimum donation of $ 50,000 from maurices, with the ultimate goal of raising more than $ 100,000.

For more information and details on Rescues & Runways fashion shows at maurices stores across the country, visit http://www.maurices.com.

For Media: Visit http://www.maurices.com and click on Rescues & Runways for more information. High-resolution photos of the Friends for Life charm are available for download, along with photos, video and soundbites from last year?s Rescues & Runways events.

About maurices

Established in 1931, maurices is wholly owned by dressbarn inc. maurices is the leading small town specialty store for the savvy, fashion-conscious girl with a twenty-something attitude. Today, maurices operates over 750 stores in 44 states. maurices stands for fashion, quality, value and personalized customer service. Offering sizes 1-24, styles are inspired by the girl in everyone, in every size. For store information and to shop online visit maurices.com.

About the ASPCA

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA? (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals?) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation?s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA?s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit http://www.aspca.org.

To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspcateam. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

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