Phillip Muller, president of the Affiliated Agency, Inc., an independent insurance agency located in Plainview, was recently named Grand Marshal of the 2002 Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's Pace Setter Walk in recognition of his tireless efforts on behalf of the chapter.

Muller and his business partners, including daughter Dawn Muller Murray, have been actively involved in raising funds for and awareness about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis since the diagnosis of two of his children Erin and Philip Jr. Both are doing well now, but have suffered the painful symptoms and side effects of these diseases for which there are no cures - only temporary treatments. Muller knows firsthand the value of the education and support services the Long Island Chapter offers to patients and their families.

Muller has been an ardent supporter of the chapter for a number of years. Under his leadership, the Affliated Agency has consistently been a corporate sponsor of both the bowling event and the walk. This year, Affiliated Agency was able to make a substantial contribution to CCFA just prior to the walk. In recognition of his steadfast support, CCFA asked Muller to accept the honor of Grand Marshal, which he graciously accepted.

"It is an honor to be named Grand Marshal. I didn't expect it and it was a nice gesture," said Muller. "It is something close to my heart. It is a traumatic experience and if there is anything I can do to help the research of this disease, to benefit not just my children but people in the future, I will do it."

Current estimates report that over 15,000 Long Islanders currently suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease). Ten percent of the patients are under the age of 18.

A longtime Long Island resident, Muller has been serving the personal and commercial insurance needs of the community for 23 years, the last five in Plainview. As an officer of the Patchogue Kiwanis Club, Muller organizes the organizations' golf outing each year, benefiting CCFA's Parent and Grandparents Research Alliance, among other children's charities. He is also an active board member of the Medford Chamber of Commerce, where he resides.

The walk takes place on Sunday, Oct. 20 in Blydenburgh Park in Hauppauge. For more information please call 222-5530.

-Denise D'Alessandro