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Mark your calendars for May 23 because it's World Crohn's and Colitis Day! This day is dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions affect millions of people worldwide, causing chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. But despite their serious nature, there are many inspiring stories of individuals who have successfully managed their IBD and continue to live fulfilling lives. Let's use this special day to show support for those living with IBD and spread positivity and hope for a future free from these diseases.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1932</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Crohn's Disease Named</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dr. Burrill B. Crohn identified and named Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, after studying patients with unusual abdominal symptoms.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1967</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First IBD Medication</div><div class='timeline-text'>The FDA approved sulfasalazine, the first medication specifically used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and Colitis.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1979</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Support Foundation</div><div class='timeline-text'>In this year, The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation was established to provide support and resources to individuals living with these conditions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2004</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Breakthrough In Genetics</div><div class='timeline-text'>Researchers pinpointed the first gene known to be associated with increased risk of developing Crohn's disease, NOD2.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div the='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Recognition of IBD</div><div class='timeline-text'>World IBD Day was observed for the first time to raise global awareness of inflammatory bowel diseases, thereby helping to reduce stigma and improve quality of life for patients.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Crohn's & Colitis Congress</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Crohn's & Colitis Congress took place, marking a significant step in collaboration towards a cure and improved patient care.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Join a charity walk or run</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Participate in a charity walk or run to raise awareness and funds for Crohn’s and Colitis. You can gather a team and make it a fun group activity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a purple-themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Purple is the official color for Crohn’s and Colitis awareness. Host a purple-themed party and encourage your guests to wear purple and donate to a charity of your choice.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use social media platforms or start a blog to share your personal experience with Crohn’s and Colitis. This can help raise awareness and support for those living with these conditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local organization that supports individuals with Crohn’s and Colitis and offer your time to volunteer. This can be a great way to make a positive impact in your community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn more about Crohn’s and Colitis and share your knowledge with others. You can also distribute informational materials or host a Q&A session to answer any questions people may have about these conditions.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Crohn's and Colitis Day is an important opportunity to educate people about these chronic inflammatory diseases that affect the digestive tract. By spreading awareness, we can help reduce stigma and increase support for those living with Crohn’s and colitis.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It provides a sense of community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>For those living with Crohn's or colitis, it can often feel isolating and lonely. World Crohn's and Colitis Day brings together individuals from around the world who are fighting the same battle, offering a sense of belonging and understanding.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages advocacy and funding for research</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On this day, many organizations and individuals raise funds for research towards finding better treatments and a cure for Crohn's and colitis. It also encourages advocacy efforts to improve access to healthcare, reduce discrimination, and advance scientific knowledge on these diseases.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's and Colitis are often invisible illnesses</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite affecting the daily lives of millions, most of the symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and unpredictability of bowel movements are not visible to others, leading to a lack of understanding about the impact of these diseases.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Age is not a determinant for Crohn's or colitis</h3><p class='facts-content'>These diseases can begin at any age, though they are often diagnosed in young people aged 15-35. Early onset is increasingly being found, with some children diagnosed even before their first birthday.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Diet and stress do not cause Crohn's or colitis</h3><p class='facts-content'>While diet and stress can aggravate these conditions, they do not cause them. The exact cause is still unknown, but it's believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger an abnormal immune response.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Crohn's and colitis are not considered rare diseases</h3><p class='facts-content'>With millions of people worldwide living with these conditions, they are far from rare diseases. They are, however, often silent diseases because many people choose to suffer in silence due to embarrassment or fear of stigma around their symptoms.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Coping with Crohn's and Colitis goes beyond physical ailments</h3><p class='facts-content'>These chronic conditions can also heavily impact emotional wellbeing. Studies have shown a heightened risk for depression and anxiety in individuals with Crohn’s and Colitis, highlighting the need for holistic care approaches that include mental health support.</p></div></div></div>
World Crohn's and Colitis Day is celebrated on May 23 every year. In 2024, this day will fall on a Thursday.
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