#iwouldbegratefulif

Crohn’s and Colitis New Zealand Charitable Trust is an organisation which was founded in 2010 to support those in our community with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (also referred to as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or “IBD”). These are lifelong diseases that cause diarrhoea, extreme urgency, and abdominal pain. The intestines become red, ulcerated, and inflamed. While the diseases can be managed with potent immunosuppressive medications, there is no cure. Dealing with IBD is especially challenging. It means hospitalisations, often multiple surgeries, and, in many cases, social isolation. There are 20,000+ New Zealanders that have IBD, with New Zealand having the third highest incidence of these diseases in the world.

CCNZ is a registered charity and relies solely on grants and individual donations. We have an all-volunteer Board of Trustees and only one part-time employee.

May the 19th is World IBD day. This is a day where people with IBD can share their journeys and experiences to raise awareness of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

People with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are sharing videos of some of the challenges that they have had to face since their diagnosis for the month of May. #iwouldbegratefulif

Thank you so much for supporting the 20,000+ New Zealanders in New Zealand who have IBD!