World IBD Day
May 19 marks a very special day in our calendars as our community comes together for World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day.
This annual international day of action unites people from over 50 countries to educate others about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and show support to the ten million people around the world who are taking on these invisible diseases.
It is through raising awareness and educating those around us that we will be able to continue building strong, supportive communities and push forward research focused on improving quality of life and discovering cures.
IBD in Canada
Canada has one of the highest case rates of IBD in the world—a staggering 1 in 140 Canadians are living with some form of inflammatory bowel disease.
More facts about IBD in Canada:
- Approximately 300,000 Canadians live with IBD
- The number of Canadians with IBD is expected to rise to 400,000 (approximately 1% of the population) by 2030
- The direct annual cost of caring for Canadians with IBD is estimated at $1.28 billion
- Seniors (aged 65 and over) with Crohn’s or colitis are the fastest growing group of Canadians with IBD, and our healthcare system must be prepared to face this challenge
- Canadians with Crohn’s or colitis in rural areas are less likely to receive gastroenterologist care, which has consequences on long-term outcomes
- There are over 7,000 Canadian children (under age 18) living with Crohn’s or colitis
- The prevalence of Crohn’s and colitis in Canadian children has risen by more than 50% in the past 15 years
Researching IBD in Canada
Each year, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada funds a number of cutting-edge research projects by providing grants to Canada's best and brightest researchers.
We are proud to share how your donor dollars make a difference and release an annual research report to highlight the new and ongoing projects we supported over the past year.
Read our 2021 Research Report
How You Can Get Involved
Keep an eye out for landmarks across the country to be illuminated in purple on May 19, every year. If you happen to see one, be sure to share a photo on social media along with your reason for being involved with the Crohn’s and colitis community. It helps raise awareness of these invisible diseases and it’s what the day is all about. You can share your photos and stories with the community by tagging @getgutsycanada!
Interested in helping hundreds of thousands of Canadians and making a direct impact for the community? Join our team of incredible, superhero-like volunteers: Volunteer with us!
Gutsy Walk, Canada’s largest fundraiser in support of Crohn’s and colitis research and patient programs, is the first Sunday of every June, happening this year on Sunday, June 4. This event is where the community comes together nationwide! Find a Gutsy Walk location near you, and register today