Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

“For over 14 years, I lived with chronic digestive issues that completely shaped my life… In 2022, I finally received a definitive diagnosis: Crohn’s disease. As hard as that truth was to face, it also gave me clarity — and purpose.” 💜 Meet Ashley — tech professional, ostomy and mental health advocate, and proof that illness can change your life, but it doesn’t get to define it. The Foundation’s #LetsGoThere campaign is breaking the silence around IBD by sharing real, unfiltered stories like hers. Share your story today: bit.ly/4i1fv6M

Happy Easter to all who celebrate!

Happy Passover to all who celebrate!

The number of people living with inflammatory bowel disease is increasing around the world, and evidence suggests that environmental exposures, such as diet and pollution, may impact IBD risk and outcomes. The GAIN Survey, led by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, seeks to better understand patients’ perspectives on how these environmental factors affect IBD. If you live in the U.S. and have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, your input can help shape future IBD research. Complete the brief, confidential survey here: bit.ly/4s7K4wm

💙 It's #NationalDoctorsDay! Dr. Ugo Iroku, gastroenterologist and member of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s National Board of Trustees, shares 3 questions your doctor wants to hear from you — questions that open conversations, build trust, and help ensure you’re getting the best care possible. Watch now to learn how small questions can lead to stronger partnerships with your care team.

Happy #NationalDoctorsDay! Today we celebrate the physicians who care for and empower people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Thank you for all you do for the IBD community. Thank you to our sponsors, AbbVie and Eli Lilly.

What inspires someone to dedicate their life to caring for people living with IBD? In honor of National Doctors’ Day, we invited members of our Professional Member Network to share their journeys into medicine, what keeps them going, and the meaningful moments that remind them why this work matters. Read more: bit.ly/41yEAiA

Living with ulcerative colitis can mean constant urgency, disrupted plans, and treatments that don’t always work. A new research study is exploring a device designed to help reduce bowel urgency without relying on another medication. Take a quick survey to see if you may qualify. Learn more: bit.ly/4eVzm6r #sponsored

Teen Night is back! Join us on Monday, April 6 at 8 p.m. ET for a virtual get-together where teens ages 13–18 living with IBD can connect with peers, share tips for daily life, and ask questions in a supportive space. This session will focus on “Knowing Your Body” and includes a live Q&A, breakout sessions, and more. Don’t miss it—register now to secure your spot: bit.ly/4uzNDNv

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare liver disease that can affect people living with IBD—and right now, there’s no approved treatment to slow or stop it. Our latest IBD Insights blog article, sponsored by Mirum Pharma, explores what PSC is, why it’s so closely linked to IBD, and how researchers and advocates are working together to find answers. Through collaborations like PSC Partners Seeking a Cure and the Resnek Family Center for PSC Research, progress is being made to better understand PSC and pave the way toward new therapies. Learn more about this important area of research and what’s giving hope to the PSC community: 👉 bit.ly/4cUdnhl #sponsored

“Being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at just 9 years old turned my world upside down. For a long time, no one could figure out what was wrong—and the pain started taking away the thing I loved most: dancing. When I finally got my diagnosis, I felt both relief and fear. But it was also the start of learning how to take control of my life again.” 💃💜 Meet Eliana, diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 9 and proving that even when life takes an unexpected turn, passion and perseverance can keep you moving forward. The Foundation’s #LetsGoThere campaign is breaking the silence around IBD by sharing real, unfiltered stories. Share your story today: bit.ly/4i1fv6M

In our latest Let’s Go There: Taboo Topics poll, we asked women living with IBD which topics they wish were talked about more openly. They shared that their top topics are managing IBD and pregnancy (25%), IBD and the menstrual cycle (30%), IBD and peri/menopause (12%), and body image with IBD (33%). Share your experiences in the comments so we can keep going there together—shining a light on these realities and reminding every woman with IBD that none of these conversations should feel off-limits. 💬 #LetsGoThere

Infusion day is a regular part of life for many people with IBD — but that doesn’t make it easy. The long hours, IV insertion, and reminder of chronic illness can stir up anxiety before the appointment even begins. Foundation trustee and GI psychologist Megan Riehl, PsyD, shares practical, evidence-based tips to help ease infusion-related stress in a new Everyday Health article. Tap to read and share with someone who might need it. bit.ly/4rFcOf7

See the IBD research breakthroughs transforming lives today — from biomarkers and genes to novel technologies that are changing the future for people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Explore these discoveries and more, and see what your support has made possible. bit.ly/46mkjzL

The Foundation’s advocacy for increased federal support of IBD research took an important step forward today as we met with health policy leaders from across the Department of Health & Human Services to discuss advancing prevention and treatment strategies. Thanks to Kaylaa’ White, Foundation Social Media Ambassador and advocacy volunteer, who shared her powerful story at the briefing. Kaylaa’ reminded everyone how vital it is for public and private researchers to collaborate in the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

When Angela Smith, who lives with Crohn’s disease, shared her story at the Foundation’s bipartisan Capitol Hill briefing today, her words deeply resonated. The discussion covered new developments in early disease detection, potential pathways to prevention, and the latest on the correlation between ultra-processed foods and IBD. This event was supported in part by Pfizer and Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

The number of people living with inflammatory bowel disease is increasing around the world, and evidence suggests that environmental exposures, such as diet and pollution, may impact IBD risk and outcomes. The GAIN Survey, led by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, seeks to better understand patients’ perspectives on how these environmental factors affect IBD. If you live in the U.S. and have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, your input can help shape future IBD research. Complete the brief, confidential survey here: bit.ly/4s7K4wm

Living with ulcerative colitis can mean constant urgency, disrupted plans, and treatments that don’t always work. A new research study is exploring a device designed to help reduce bowel urgency without relying on another medication. Take a quick survey to see if you may qualify. Learn more: bit.ly/4eVzm6r #sponsored

Add a little everyday luxury with these delicate macarons filled with rich buttercream—a fun weekend baking project and a tasty treat. Head to the link for the step-by-step recipe and enjoy a dessert that feels bakery-worthy, made in your own kitchen. 💜 Don’t forget to check out Gut Friendly Recipes to explore 500+ easy, dietitian-approved ideas with the Foundation’s free recipe finder. bit.ly/4cxMEHk

“Never stop searching for answers. Being bold, staying open to new options, and believing in yourself can help you navigate this disease—you can do anything you set your mind to." Meet Sawyer, diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 18 and now a zookeeper—proof that big dreams are still possible with IBD. The Foundation’s Let’s Go There campaign is breaking the silence around IBD by sharing real, unfiltered stories. Share your story today: bit.ly/4282Fhx #LetsGoThere