HELP BUILD AWARENESS

YOUR VOICE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic autoimmune diseases that affect the digestive system, collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).  Both cause debilitating pain, hospitalisations, repeated surgeries and a severely reduced quality of life. 

It is estimated that nearly 20,000 New Zealanders live with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, most diagnosed in their formative and most productive years, between the ages of 15 and 35, causing disruption to their education, work, social and sexual lives.  IBD causes more disability than all chronic back pain, slipped discs, machinery accidents, rheumatic heart disease, and mental impairment.  The degree of disability in IBD patients is comparable to severe asthma and is more severe than Type 1 diabetes and epilepsy. Despite this, IBD remains a closet disease, shrouded in silence and relatively unknown.  We must raise awareness!

You can help us to educate people about IBD, to make a difference, to raise awareness, and maybe even to raise money.

Here are some ideas on how you can help build awareness:

• If you have contacts in local media outlets, encourage them to run a story to raise awareness in your community, particularly in May, the month of World IBD Day on May 19th.
• Support fundraising events by joining and inviting your friends to join in.
• Share YOUR story of living with Crohn’s or colitis. What is life like for you?
• Don't have a support group in your area?  Why not consider starting one.
• Become a volunteer and invite your friends to volunteer with you.
• Share our campaigns on on your social media pages and invite friends to “like” or share them too!