Everybody poops.
But those living with Crohn’s and colitis, which are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), struggle with life-long and sometimes debilitating symptoms.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are diseases that inflame the lining of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract and disrupt the body's ability to digest food, absorb nutrition, and eliminate waste in a healthy manner.
Supporters from both Prince George and Vanderhoof gathered at Otway Sunday to walk together and to raise awareness and funding for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.
This year’s honorary chair of the event is Sonja Krug who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 17 years old and but through medication has been in remission for the last nine years.
“I have had Crohn’s disease for 29 years and have had six surgeries resulting in an ostomy,” said Krug to the crowd before the walk commenced.
“I walk today so that further research can be done so that the medication that has changed so much since I was initially diagnosed will be for the betterment of everyone with IBD," said Krug.
"Your donations go towards this amazing research and go towards our support groups which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I think laughter is the best medicine. Talking to people who truly understand what you are going through is the best gift.”
The exact cause of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis remains unknown, and as a result, there is no cure for these diseases.
“I started training as a gastroenterologist 34 years ago can you believe that? I’ve seen a lot of people with Crohn’s and colitis, and you know what I can tell you is the landscape of treatment has changed phenomenology in that time,” said Dr. Paul Winwood, who is a gastroenterologist in Prince George.
“There was it seemed little we could do medically for people in those days and now we have lots of new treatments and I think they’ve made a huge difference to many people – not everyone – but many people. The funds you are raising will support more of that work and I am optimistic for the future that we will have more effective treatments.”
Winwood said Crohn’s and Colitis are common diseases and about 300,000 people suffer in Canada but that number is predicted to be 400,000 by 2030.
“So, there is a need for action,” said Winwood, adding he was excited to see the large crowd out to support the event.
Prior to the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, the Gutsy Walk had been held in Vanderhoof for three consecutive years and the 2022 walk marked its return to Prince George.
The event also featured a DJ, snacks, face painting, and of course a scenic walk through the beautiful Otway trails.
- with files from Christine Dagleish
