I had a Friday telephone interview with Casey Abrams in conjunction with the "American Idol" finalist's role in a new campaign to raise awareness about inflammatory bowel disease. Casey has ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, and dealt with the condition while on "Idol." He was hospitalized during the season and missed a results show due to illness. During our phone conversation, Casey said he didn't go on "Idol" intending to become a health advocate. "I didn't really want to talk about it," Casey said. "It was just kind of thrust upon me."
The advocate role came once Casey's medical issues made headlines. "I can't not talk about it," he said. "We have to talk about it."Enter the IBD Icons campaign, an effort led by Janssen Biotech, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America...and Casey Abrams. The campaign lets people living with IBD share their personal success stories online.
Members of the public can vote for the stories. For every vote cast, Janssen Biotech will donate $1 to CCFA. Get full details at IBDIcons. After a national vote, one finalist with UC and one with Crohn's disease will win a trip to the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon & 1/2 Marathon in December. Casey's performing at the Las Vegas event, and I asked him if he planned on running as well. Right now, he's leaning toward yes. When I asked if he'd run the full marathon or the half, he asked me what he should do.
Talk about pressure. I recommended the half marathon, especially since he listed a mile run in elementary school while discussing his previous running experience. He seemed pretty excited about the idea. From a stress standpoint, Casey said the tour is much easier than the televised component of "Idol". His health concerns don't limit his diet too much, with the possible exception of spicy food.
Casey, who was compensated by Janssen Biotech, Inc., for his involvement in the campaign, seemed pretty humble. He talked about putting life's stresses in perspective and said he'd like to work with "Idol" judge Randy Jackson in the future. Health advocacy will remain a priority, too. "I have an OK story," Casey said, adding that he's excited to hear the success stories that come from the IBD Icons campaign. His health advice? "When you have symptoms, see a doctor right away" -- no matter how embarrassing your symptoms are, Casey said.