February 2022 Update from CEO of Crohn's and Colitis Canada

Lori Radke

Dear Friends,

As we start to see longer days on the horizon, this feels like the perfect time to share some of the great things happening at Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. There is so much to be thankful for and a future to be excited about! I would like to express my personal and deep appreciation to supporters like you who make our work possible. Your dedication, passion, and engagement means so much to us and to our community.

Since I joined the organization, I’ve heard from many of you. I have enjoyed learning about your personal motivation and you have inspired me to be bold in moving the organization forward. We have undertaken a new strategic planning journey with broad and significant input through focus groups, surveys, and direct conversations with stakeholders, including volunteers, patients, caregivers, researchers, health care professionals, and donors. Our survey garnered thousands of responses; sincere thanks to those of you who took the time to engage in this way. We are now taking all of this input and developing a path forward. We look forward to sharing our strategy with you in May.

A lot was achieved in 2021, thanks to you and the resilience of our community. Eight new research grants were funded, we doubled the number of IBD scholarships given, and we helped thousands through educational resources, support programs and advocacy efforts. Our COVID-19 and IBD experts continued their comprehensive efforts in providing guidance through webinars (29 and counting) and online content.

As always, thank you for everything you do as part of the Crohn’s and colitis community. I look forward to more opportunities for me to connect with you in the months ahead.

See below to learn more about our work and to register for this year’s Gutsy Walk.

Lori Radke's signature

Lori Radke
President & CEO
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada
 

Gutsy Walk Honorary Chairs

Register for Gutsy Walk - Sunday, June 5, 2022
Although months away, you can show your support for our two Honorary Chairs at the 2022 Gutsy Walk taking place on Sunday, June 5 by registering today.

Excited Scholarship applicant

IBD Scholarship Now Accepting Applications
This year, with the launch of the annual AbbVie IBD Scholarship Program, we're excited to make not ten, but fifteen scholarships available to applicants living with IBD who are pursuing a post secondary education.

Researchers in a lab

Research News
Discover the impact that supporters, like you, are creating. Researchers share what they have learned and provide updates on their research projects.

COVID-19 magnified

COVID-19 & IBD Resources
Learn about the recommendations made by the Scientific and Medical Advisory Council and COVID-19 & IBD Task Force of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.

  • 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.

Other Areas of Interest