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Connections
Why join us for CONNECTIONS?
You have just heard the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and received information from your doctor about treatments, but you still have so many questions. How do I explain this to family members, what is the best way to communicate with my child’s school, how can I support my child, how will this affect the family, and so much more. Where do you look for answers?
CtoC provides peer-to-peer connections and support to families who often feel misunderstood as they are making tough decisions about medical treatments, navigating school and social issues, and dealing with the psychological impact of these diseases. Many people do not understand how serious Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis can be. We bring attention to these diseases in order to drive funding for research and to let people know they have somewhere to turn for support.
When you contact us, we will connect you with a member of our community who is familiar with the issues you are coping with.
"My son was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, an incurable, lifelong chronic illness. This has inspired me to do whatever I can to help other patients and families navigate Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). Connecting to Cure Crohn's and Colitis has been my rock for over 6 years. Our journey has been supported with incredible advice and love."
Bette F.
Click here to read more testimonials.
CONNECTIONS Support Group Facilitators
Edward Feldman, M.D.
Edward Feldman, M.D., is a board-certified gastroenterologist with the Cedars-Sinai Medical Group. He has a specific clinical interest in the inflammatory diseases of the bowel, which include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, with a focus on the psycho-social aspects of healing and disease.
Dr. Feldman earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and received his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his Internship at the Veterans Administration Hospital in West Los Angeles and his residency in internal medicine at Harbor General Hospital, in Torrance, California. He completed a research fellowship in gastroenterology at Hammersmith Hospital (Royal Postgraduate Medical School) in London, followed by clinical fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. He finished his training in psychoanalysis at the Los Angeles Psychoanalytic Society and Institute.
He is a clinical professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the Cedars-Sinai Health System. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of numerous organizations including the American Gastroenterology Association, The New Center for Psychoanalysis and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
In 1980, Dr. Feldman began a private practice in pediatric, adolescent and adult gastroenterology and became an active member of the Cedars-Sinai medical community. He has served as clinical chief of gastroenterology, co-director of the Cedars-Sinai Home Health Program, director and facilitator of the Intern Support Group for Pediatric Interns, and currently teaches in the post-residency program for inflammatory bowel diseases.
David Ziring, M.D.
David Ziring, MD, is a pediatric gastroenterologist at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s and Associate Director of the Pediatric IBD Program within the F. Widjaja IBD Institute. He has dedicated his career to improving the lives of children and adolescents living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Dr. Ziring is known for his patient-centered approach and his commitment to helping families navigate the uncertainty and stress that often follow a new diagnosis. He provides individualized care that integrates traditional medical therapy with a growing focus on diet-based approaches and innovative monitoring tools. His clinical interests include advanced therapies for pediatric IBD and the use of point-of-care intestinal ultrasound in the clinic to provide real-time information that enhances conversations, reduces uncertainty, and supports shared decision-making.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Ziring has contributed to the pediatric IBD community through education, research, and collaboration aimed at improving evidence-based care and expanding patient access to high-quality treatments. He is also passionate about mentorship and training future physicians and pediatric gastroenterologists.
Dr. Ziring is especially committed to supporting families outside of traditional medical visits. He is proud to volunteer with Connecting to Cure, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping children and families impacted by IBD. Through his involvement, he helps facilitate a monthly caregiver support group, creating a welcoming space for parents and caregivers to connect, share practical strategies, and feel less alone while caring for a child with IBD.