Every year, May 19th marks a very special day in our calendars as our community comes together for World IBD Day. This 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.
Passionate, resilient, and drivers of change. These are only a few of the ways to describe our tight-knit community. We are extremely proud to stand beside you every single day. It is by standing united across the globe and loudly sharing our message that we will continue to make long-lasting and life-altering change.
In celebration of World IBD Day, we have a number of fun and exciting activities planned to continue spreading our message loud and clear. Read the information below to learn how you can get involved, and be sure to encourage your friends, family and coworkers to take part.
Get Social With Us
Put on your purple shirt, share one thing that you wish people knew about IBD! Tag
@getgutsy for your pictures to be posted and shared today.
We can’t be together in person, but social media will help us bring awareness. So this year, let's be LOUD AND PURPLE
!
Remember to use
#WorldIBDDay2020 to join the global conversation.
Show Your DIY Skills: #ICanUCanDIY
Whether it’s trimming your bangs, grooming your puppy, baking a cake or making cards, we’ve all learned new skills while spending time at home over the past couple of months. Share your newfound talents with us and donate the money you saved by completing an activity of choice on your own through our new social campaign: the
#ICanUCanDIY Challenge.
If you are looking for some inspiration for a DIY activity or ready to donate your savings,
head here.
Get Your (Gutsy) Mask On!
Our new reality requires people to wear masks as our cities open. To help keep you safe, why not rock a Crohn’s and Colitis Canada gutsy mask! The high quality, Canadian-made reusable mask features our Gutsy person – a symbol of courage, resilience and hope. All proceeds from your purchase will support Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s critical work.
For a limited time only, you can use
promo code GUTSY10 to
receive 10% off your purchase.
*The promo ends at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 19th.
Purchase a stylish gutsy mask
here.
#DYK? Learn and Share Some Fast Facts
- 270,000 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
Explore and Share Educational Tools
Are you looking for insightful materials to either enhance your own understanding or inform the people in your circle about IBD? Check out the helpful resources below.
Let’s Applaud Our Heroes
Today, we encourage you to join us in
sending a BIG THANK YOU to all of the caregivers, healthcare professionals and researchers who compassionately work day in, day out to support people affected by Crohn’s or colitis by sending a Crohn’s and Colitis Canada eCard with your own special note to your heroes!
Get Gutsy With Us!
Did you hear? Our 25th annual Gutsy Walk is taking place on Sunday, August 23rd. Rally your friends, family and coworkers to join you for our virtual event held in support of driving critical IBD research. Visit
gutsywalk.ca to register or donate.
Are you looking to volunteer with our Gutsy Walk crew? Help us bring the fun-filled event to fruition by joining our team as a Gutsy Walk Committee Member! Learn all about the role
here.