Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week

Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week

Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week is an event that takes place Dec. 1–7 each year to help increase understanding and raise funds for inflammatory bowel disease research. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They cause digestive symptoms and can affect other areas of the body with widespread inflammation. Researchers continually seek to increase their understanding of the conditions and find more effective, safe treatments. Wear a purple awareness ribbon pin, fabric ribbon or silicone wristband to call attention to these conditions.

What color ribbon is for Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease and colitis share the same purple color ribbon.

A purple ribbon is the official ribbon color of IBD awareness. A person can wear a purple ribbon, purchase an awareness shirt or other apparel, or use social media stickers to help promote awareness of Crohn’s disease and colitis.

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes swelling of the tissues (inflammation) in the digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition.

Inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can involve different areas of the digestive tract in different people, most commonly the small intestine. This inflammation often spreads into the deeper layers of the bowel.

Crohn’s disease can be both painful and debilitating, and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications.

There’s no known cure for Crohn’s disease, but therapies can greatly reduce its signs and symptoms and even bring about long-term remission and healing of inflammation. With treatment, many people with Crohn’s disease are able to function well.

When Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week Occurs

People in the United States typically acknowledge Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week, which occurs between Dec. 1–7 every year. The event first occurred in 2011 through U.S. Senate Resolution 199. Most countries worldwide also recognize World IBD Day. World IBD Day occurs each year on May 19. It has a similar goal of increasing awareness and knowledge of the disease. Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month can vary by country. People in Canada acknowledge the month in November, while people in Australia recognize it in May. Unofficially, some people in the U.S. may refer to December as its awareness month.

This awareness week is part of an effort to increase public knowledge of IBD and raise money for its research and other aspects of care. Organizations, such as the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, help increase awareness of IBD, provide resources to families, and help raise money for research. In the United Kingdom, Crohn’s and Colitis UK is a charity dedicated to IBD. People interested in getting involved or showing support for any of the awareness events or in general can do so in several ways.