This November, in honour of Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month, we’re thrilled to partner with the Wise Family Foundation and Mer’s Belly Bear to help raise awareness and build community. 

Mer’s Belly Bears are a symbol of comfort and courage for those young and brave who are living with a stoma. If you would like to receive a Mer’s Belly Bear or if you’d like to give a youth you know with a stoma a Bear, simply share your or the youth’s stoma story (up to 500 words) by completing the form below before November 30, 2025. After filling in the form, you’ll receive an email within a few days that you can present at the Gutsy Walk nearest you on June 7, 2026 and receive your Mer’s Belly Bear. Please note your story will be screened before it is added to our story wall below.