On Sunday, June 2, thousands of Canadians from coast to coast will join the annual hope-filled Gutsy Walk to support those with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Living with these lifelong diseases can be lonely, energy-draining and unpredictable. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, constipation, fever, unrelenting abdominal pain and cramps, fatigue, sleep problems, weight loss and diminished appetite. Gutsy Walk shows them that they are not alone.
Started in 1996, and now the largest fundraiser for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, Gutsy Walk raises $2+ million annually for vital support programs and research, including projects that offer realistic hope for cures. $52 million has been raised since it was started. At the 50+ locations across Canada, 4,600+ register to participate, typically walking 5 km – but any distance or activity counts.
In Canada, there are currently 344,000 people living with Crohn’s or colitis. An additional 12,000 will be diagnosed this year – one every 44 minutes.
Register, volunteer or donate at www.gutsywalk.ca