Friends and family raise money for crohn's and colitis disease

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract; it affects 1-point-4 million people across the U-S.

Family and friends of those who live with the crohn's and colitis disease walked in Springfield's Forest Park, to spread awareness and raise money to find a cure.

Participants of the 'Take Steps, Be Heard' event told 22News it's a health issue a lot of people don't talk about.

Brittany Calderwood says, “I was diagnosed with crohns when I was 6, so I wanted to come out and support other people who have it too. “

Colorectal surgeons Dr. Kutayli and his partner Dr. Kelly Tyler have been doing the walk for three years since one of their patients got them involved.