how many Americans have CD/UC?

I would think that too, but face it -- we're not a "sexy" disease that will attract attention and funding. The general public #1 thinks we just have D from time to time and #2 don't want to talk about or hear about bowel issues. JHMO.... (sorry i'm having a pretty down day today and my attitude shows it)

But we can keep hoping. I have a coworker with a 9 yr old son with CD and it breaks my heart to know what he is already dealing with.

More than what you would think..It seems when you discuss the matter..Someone knows of friend, coworker, or relative that has some form of IBD..My last job I had a coworker in her early 20's with CD that had some of the same extra manifestations of the disease I had along with the Crohns gastritis..My bosses sister has it..The severity can vary..My previous co-worker when she got bad and had to be off work her short term disability did not pick up because they felt she was not "severe" enough. My current employer on short term disability seems alittle more Crohns friendly vene though I have not been off work to test it. I had a professor in college back in the early 90's his wife died of CD complications back in the 80's..It is something I feel passionate about getting the information out there with so many sufferers..The drug companies have more commercials out there than ever before..