Carzato Crew Steps Up to Support The Interstitial Cystitis Association
On a beautiful March afternoon in Clearwater, Florida, Carzato team members and their families
participated in the Step Up for IC/BPS (interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome) Awareness
Walk.
The Carzato team helped to raise over $23,000 for the cause!
The event was organized by the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) and Carzato supported it
as a Corporate Sponsor. The team was led by Sarah Cojocaru, Carzato Vice President of
Automotive Operations and new board member of ICS.
IC/BPS is a bladder condition that usually consists of multiple symptoms including recurring
pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region, and/or urinary frequency
and urgency.
The ICA is the only non-profit health association solely dedicated to improving the quality of
healthcare and the lives of people living with IC/BPS. It advocates for IC research dedicated to
discovery of a cure and better treatments, raises awareness, and serves as a central hub for the
healthcare providers, researchers and millions of patients who suffer with the chronic condition.
“I’m honored to be a part of a non-profit organization that has made a significant difference in
people’s lives,” said Cojocaru. “With such little public awareness of IC, the ICA has offered both
resources and a sense of community to many patients who have found hope navigating this
complex disease. I’m also extremely proud of Carzato who supports these efforts, not just
financially but with their time and efforts. I believe that speaks a lot about a company and its
people.”
IC/BPS can affect anyone. Women, men, and children of any age or race can develop the
condition. More research is needed to find a cause and a lasting treatment.
The condition affects as many as 3 to 8 million women in the US and 1 to 4 million men.
Pediatricians also diagnose children with the chronic condition, yet it is not well known or
understood by the public.
The ICA and its members are a lifeline for those suffering with the condition. Lynne LaBianca,
IC Patient and IC Support Group Leader, said, “There’s support out there on the ICA
website…Use that support. It’s there for a reason and it works and who better than the people
who “get it?”
Misty Wiese, ICA Member, wrote, “Thank you to ICA for being a place where people can find
solace knowing they’re not alone. The work they have done in educating and creating awareness
for the IC community can’t be measured.”
Carzato is proud to have sponsored such a worthy cause and plans to continue its support in the
future.