#HAWMC Day 4 – Sharing Resources

Today’s Prompt:

• Create a “care page” – a list of your best resources that someone who is newly diagnosed could go to when starting to advocate for themselves or a loved one. Remember to include sites that lead to successful self-advocacy!

The first and most beneficial resource for me has been CCFA, which is the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. It is a great organization that not only has a website with a lot of information, it has webcasts and patient forums. In addition, CCFA has patient support groups, which meet once a month, in most cities.  About twice a year, CCFA organizes a patient education symposium, wherein doctors hold sessions to cover a multitude of isses, from medications and side effects, to symptoms, to the latest treatment, to nutrition. A patient education symposium is a great way to not only get geat, up-to-date information, but also to network and meet fellow patients.

Through CCFA, I have met fellow Crohnies who have become good friends, and have served as a good support system.

May 19 is World IBD Day

 

 

Today is #WorldIBDDay. Spread awareness about how 5 million people globally live w/ #Crohns Disease and/or  ulcerative colitis

As I wrote in  Letter to my 16 year old self  I have been living with Crohn's disease since I was 16 years old. It is my hope that we soon find a cure for both Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis. Though today is "officially" World IBD Day, in MY world, it is EVERYday. May is recognized as Crohn's and Colitis Month. But for the 5 million of us, it is an everyday battle. I hope to continue to raise awareness, in the hopes that one day ,we will be able to eradicate these life-threatening, debilitating, invisible illnesses.

Until then,

*Resources:

 World IBD Day, led by patient organizations representing 36 countries on four continents, is officially celebrated on May 19.   World IBD Day

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (in the United States)  CCFA

on twitter: @CCFA


And remember  ;)