Zachary Loavenbruck's Tumblr Blog - Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)

Actively involved in the music scene since college, Zach Loavenbruck has participated in several bands as both a singer and musician. A talented and versatile performer, Zach Loavenbruck enjoys playing a Fender Rhodes electric piano. Zach Loavenbruck has also mastered the guitar, the melodica, and the Jew’s harp. The Jew’s harp, also known as the mouth harp, stands as one of the oldest instruments in the world. Serving with various bands as both a vocalist and a keyboardist, Zach Loavenbruck plays a variety of musical genres, including indie rock, alternative, folk, country, and psychedelic. Zach Loavenbruck has toured throughout New England and performed at hundreds of live venues. He and his bandmates recorded a CD in 1999, and he currently remains active in planning for an upcoming release with his current band. Zach Loavenbruck earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Rochester. During his time there, Zach Loavenbruck won the Sigma Phi Epsilon Balanced Man Scholarship. After completing a Master of Science for Teachers at Pace University in Pleasantville, New York, Zach Loavenbruck undertook postgraduate work in educational psychology at the University of Connecticut. During his years as an educator, Zach Loavenbruck taught algebra, English, geometry, and reading, among other subjects, for several high schools in Connecticut. Utilizing his athletic skills, Zach Loavenbruck also coached a high school softball team and directed student theatre productions. The former Coordinator of Training & Organizational Support for Liaison International, Zach Loavenbruck provided training and professional development for employees in the IT Products and Services department. In recognition of his continued dedication to the company, he earned the International Award for Excellence. Dedicated to giving back to his community, Zach Loavenbruck supports the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA).

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)

I am a proud supporter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), which was founded in 1967 to fuel the race for a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease is the inflammation of the intestines resulting in a number of symptoms, including diarrhea, bloody stool, and abdominal pain, and is thought to be an autoimmune disease. Although there is evidence of a genetic link, there is still no concrete evidence about the disease’s cause, and treatment is limited to making its symptoms more bearable. Colitis is the inflammation of the large intestine or, more specifically, the colon. There are a wide range of factors that affect the symptoms, severity, and response to treatment for patients with colitis. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by ulcers in the colon. Severe cases of colitis are life threatening and may require surgery when the disease does not respond to antimicrobial agents or immune modulators. These two diseases fall under the umbrella term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which also includes collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis, ischaemic colitis, diversion colitis, and Behcet’s syndrome. The CCFA strives to find cures and treatments for all manifestations of IBD. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America is now the leading source of funding for innovative studies conducted across the country. They also hold valuable workshops and symposia in order to facilitate networking among those in the field. The CCFA events are important venues for sharing research and providing feedback to other professionals. The foundation’s journal is also an invaluable resource for communication and important news related to these diseases. The National Institutes of Health has commended the efforts of the CCFA as they continue to spur advances against these terrible diseases. I would like to get the word out about this foundation and encourage others to contribute to help find a cure for this debilitating disease.