Ask the Expert on Grief, Loss and Chronic Illness

Woman sitting in a cafe looking down

Living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis comes with many challenges—some physical, but others are deeply emotional. Grief and loss can take many forms, from mourning the life you once had to navigating changes in relationships, careers, or future plans.

Join us for a special Ask the Expert event where we’ll explore:

  • What grief is (and isn’t)
  • The emotional impact of Crohn’s and colitis related losses—health, identity, independence, and more
  • Practical strategies for coping, healing, and finding support

Join us virtually on April 30, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET to connect with Carmen Galvan and Jennifer Bennett.

Carmen a grief therapist and death doula with over 11 years’ experience and is half of BIPOC Death and Grief Talk specializing in grief related to chronic illness and disabilities.

Jennifer has volunteered with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada for 18 years. She was diagnosed with colitis at 23, shortly after completing her Bachelor of Education. Despite all challenges, she completed a Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Memorial University and became a Canadian Certified Counsellor. Her passion for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and the gut-brain connection grew during her 18 years working with children, adolescents, and adults.

Jennifer is a therapist who knows what it’s like to experience grief while navigating life with Crohn’s and colitis.

You can ask your questions ahead of time when you register or during the event. Please note that we cannot provide individual or personalized medical advice. This free event is offered in English with live simultaneous French interpretation.

Event Details

Date: April 30, 2025
Time: 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. ET
Location: Online

How to Register

If you are already a member of the online Crohn’s and Colitis Connect community, RVSP for the event now

Not interested in becoming a member but still want to be a part of this Ask the Expert event? Complete this registration form.

Due to personal or sensitive information that event participants may share, this event will not be recorded. If you are unable to attend this event live, please stay tuned for upcoming events on Crohn’s and Colitis Connect or our website.

Contact us

If you have any questions or require support, please do not hesitate to contact us at learn@crohnsandcolitis.ca.

Location  • 
Virtual

  • 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