Celebrating our volunteers: Nathan and April Stang's story

April and Nathan Stang
This week is all about our volunteers! From British Columbia to Newfoundland, these are the people at the very heart of our organization who enable us to make advancements in Crohn’s and colitis research and awareness. For this year’s Volunteer Appreciation Week, we want to make sure they get the recognition they deserve by shining a spotlight on their work.

For Nathan and April Stang, volunteering with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is a family affair. After their daughter was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, the Stang family quickly jumped into action. They did everything in their power to create as much awareness as possible as they expressed the importance of raising funds to support research into cures to members of their community. 

As Chairs of the Swift Current Gutsy Walk, Nathan and April proudly took charge of the event to ensure its success. They spent countless hours brainstorming creative and fun ways to market the event, passionately shared the importance of the cause while seeking corporate and personal donations, and coordinated logistics. Their passion for the cause proved to be contagious as family, friends, local businesses and other Swift Current residents began taking part as proud participants, volunteers or donors.

Thanks to their hard work and support of fellow volunteers, the small but mighty community of 16,000 is making a big impact.

Why did you decide to start volunteering with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada?
“After taking part in our first Gutsy Walk and enjoying the experience, we wanted to help the other volunteers with the event as an added way to give back (oh, and of course our daughter living with inflammatory bowel disease is also a big reason!).”

What is your favourite part about organizing the Gutsy Walk?
“It is hard to explain, but the event brings such a feeling of unitedness or union between everyone who participates. It is hard to not get emotional when it all finally comes together and you see people truly enjoying themselves, socializing amongst each other, and taking in all the event has to offer. All while sharing a common purpose and goal for a very deserving cause.”

To all our volunteers—thank you for your hard work and dedication! Stay tuned for more volunteer spotlights coming up this week. In the meantime, you can read the stories of the other volunteers we interviewed here.

  • Canada has among the highest incidence rates of Crohn's and colitis in the world.
  • 1 in 140 Canadians lives with Crohn’s or colitis.
  • Families new to Canada are developing these diseases for the first time.
  • Incidence of Crohn’s in Canadian kids under 10 has doubled since 1995.
  • People are most commonly diagnosed before age 30.

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