10 Ways to Celebrate World IBD Day

Honor yourself and others who live with IBD with a day of advocacy, fundraising, connection, and self-care.

May 19 is World IBD Day, a day to come together and celebrate everyone who lives with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It’s a day to honor all that you’ve experienced and conquered, whether you live with IBD or care for someone with the disease. It’s also a chance to connect with fellow IBD warriors, and an opportunity to support research into Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Whether you prefer to observe the day by having a “treat yourself” moment, advocating or fundraising, or surrounding yourself with like-minded people, make the most of this World IBD Day with the ideas below.

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Have a self-love day

Make this day all about showering yourself with appreciation. You and your body have been through a lot, and you deserve to take a day to show yourself love.

Do whatever brings you joy: Soak in a bubble bath, watch reruns of your favorite TV show in your coziest outfit, or go for a walk around your favorite part of your city.

Get social

If social media is your thing, you can spread awareness for Crohn’s and UC by sharing your story online. Make it personal to help people connect.

Be sure to use the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation‘s official hashtags — #GameOverIBD and #WorldIBDDay2022 — so that others can find your posts.

Participate in a clinical trial

Hundreds of clinical research trials are underway or enrolling right now to advance the understanding and treatment of Crohn’s and UC. Participating in a clinical trial is a meaningful way to contribute to the cause.

If you’re curious and want to learn more, visit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s Clinical Trial Finder.

Go to summer camp

Camp Oasis is a summer camp for kids with IBD who are entering grades 2 through 11 in the fall. Run by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, the camp program is available in 11 states, and also at campers’ homes. This magical experience allows kids with IBD to just be kids.

If you’re a kid only at heart, the camp is always looking for volunteers!

Attend an educational conference

Want to learn the latest in IBD research, nutrition, and management strategies? Five in-person events for patients, healthcare professionals, and caregivers are scheduled for May in Connecticut, Washington, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Florida.

Show off your IBD swag

Spread awareness by wearing or displaying IBD-positive clothing, jewelry, and stickers. On top of celebrating World IBD Day, you’ll also be supporting independent artisans whose work spreads awareness; some even donate a percentage of their profits to IBD causes.

Check out this t-shirt, gastrointestinal pin, stickers, or awareness bracelet.

Connect with fellow IBD warriors

IBD can feel so isolating at times, especially when you’re going through a flare or experiencing symptoms. But you don’t have to do it alone. It can be incredibly valuable to have a community of people who just “get it” and know what you’re going through.

You can download the free Bezzy IBD app in the Apple or Google Play store, so you can join all your favorite forum conversations and connect with other IBD warriors wherever you are.

Get moving

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s annual Take Steps fundraiser brings walkers together in communities all across the country. Most walks occur in May and June, though a handful of events are scheduled in the fall. There’s even a virtual event on June 11.

This is a fantastic way to raise money for a cause that’s close to your heart and meet with fellow IBD warriors.

Sip some vino

If wine is your thing, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s 24th Annual California Wine Classic on May 14 is the place for you. Hosted at the Four Seasons San Francisco, tickets for this fundraiser start at $350 and include a wine reception, a silent and live auction, a raffle, and a sit-down dinner, with a program honoring Dr. Bittoo Kanwar.

Enjoy a wonderful evening while raising money to cure IBD and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease.

Play a round of golf

Gather your golf buddies and participate in the Annual Golf Classic in Johns Creek, Georgia, on May 16 or the Putts For Guts event in Malvern, Pennsylvania, on May 24. You’re sure to have a great time while raising money for IBD.