"American Idol" finalist Casey Abrams wants Midwesterners with intestinal diseases to join a national awareness campaign.
Abrams has ulcerative colitis. He's working with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America to inspire people living with intestinal bowel diseases to live their dreams.
The 20-year-old singer finished sixth on "American Idol" during season 10. He won a spot on the summer tour. It's bringing him Friday to Chicago, near where he grew up in Wilmette.
Abrams told The Associated Press it's an embarrassing disease but that people shouldn't be ashamed to talk about it.
He wants people to submit disease success stories on the foundation's website, www.IBDIcons.com. Participants can compete for a trip to see Abrams perform in a Las Vegas benefit for the foundation in December.
