Season 10 American Idol Finalist and Musician Casey Abrams Releases New Song Devoted to Raising Awareness About Inflammatory Bowel Disease

HORSHAM, Pa., June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 (IBD) and the people he met through the national disease awareness campaign IBD Icons. Starting today, people can view Abrams' music video by joining the fan club at www.IBDIcons.com. For every fan who joins, a donation will be made to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), IBD Icons partner and the only national non-profit organization dedicated to finding cures for IBD, including chronic digestive diseases ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease. 

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."

For every fan who registers to view Abrams' music video, available exclusively at www.IBDIcons.com, Janssen Biotech, Inc. will donate $1, up to $10,000, to CCFA in support of IBD research and education. In addition to Abrams' music video, updates from the 2011 IBD Icons finalists and winners on their latest endeavors to raise awareness and inspire others are also featured on www.IBDIcons.com. 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."

Casey encourages everyone who is living with IBD, or who knows someone living with IBD, to join the fan club at www.IBDIcons.com for access to his music video and to read the IBD Icons finalists' and winners' inspirational story updates.

Casey Abrams was compensated by Janssen Biotech, Inc. for his time in preparing for and participating in IBD Icons.

About Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects approximately 1.4 million Americans, with the incidence evenly split between ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease. IBD affects men and women equally and can strike at any age. While both inflammatory bowel diseases have similar symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue, Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, whereas UC is limited to the colon. Although considerable progress has been made in IBD research, investigators do not yet know what causes IBD. There is currently no medical cure for UC or Crohn's disease.

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is the leading voluntary non-profit health organization dedicated to finding a cure for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CCFA's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research, providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals and the public, and furnishing supportive services for people with IBD. For more information, visit www.ccfa.org, call 888-694-8872, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

About Janssen Biotech, Inc.

Janssen Biotech, Inc. redefines the standard of care in immunology, oncology, urology and nephrology. Built upon a rich legacy of innovative firsts, Janssen Biotech has delivered on the promise of new treatments and ways to improve the health of individuals with serious disease. Beyond its innovative medicines, Janssen Biotech is at the forefront of developing education and public policy initiatives to ensure patients and their families, caregivers, advocates and health care professionals have access to the latest treatment information, support services and quality care. For more information on Janssen Biotech, Inc. or its products, visit www.janssenbiotech.com.

Janssen Biotech is one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies dedicated to addressing and solving some of the most important unmet medical needs in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases and vaccines, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Driven by our commitment to patients, we work together to bring innovative ideas, products, services and solutions to people throughout the world.  Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JanssenUS.

SOURCE Janssen Biotech