The FINANCIAL -- In advance of releasing his debut album,
musician and American Idol alumnus Casey Abrams has created an original
song entitled “Chip on Your Shoulder” and music video inspired by his
personal experience with inflammatory bowel disease and the people
he met through the national disease awareness campaign IBD Icons.
For every fan who joins, a donation will be made to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, IBD Icons partner and the only national non-profit organization dedicated to finding cures for IBD, including chronic digestive diseases ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
According to Johnson & Johnson, for the second consecutive year, Abrams is teaming up with Janssen Biotech, Inc. in partnership with CCFA to raise awareness and celebrate the achievements of those living beyond IBD through IBD Icons. Abrams, who was diagnosed with UC three years ago, feels a heightened sense of responsibility to speak up about his disease. Despite his struggle with UC, Abrams finished sixth on Season 10 of American Idol and signed a record deal with Concord Music Group. His debut album is scheduled for release on June 26.
“Music has always helped me get through difficult times, especially when I was first diagnosed with UC,” said Abrams. “After meeting hundreds of people through IBD Icons, I was amazed by their drive and determination to not give in to this disease. I hope this song unites all of the IBD Icons fans in an effort to raise awareness and encourages others to get control of their disease so they can pursue their dreams.”
The IBD Icons finalists were chosen by Abrams and a panel of CCFA judges from the hundreds of inspirational stories submitted by people pursuing their dreams despite the challenges of IBD. Two winners were announced in December 2011 after nearly 150,000 votes were cast.
“We are happy to be working with Casey and Janssen Biotech, Inc. again on this program which helps raise awareness and celebrates individuals with IBD,” said Kimberly Frederick, LCSW, MSW, Senior Vice President of Mission for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. “There’s never been a song dedicated to the IBD community before, and we hope Casey’s lyrics will provide a source of inspiration to patients and their families.”
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