It’s a disease that’s not often talked about, but Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affects one in 150 Canadians, one of the highest rates in the world.
Among them is Jamey Hughton, whose now the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada Saskatoon chapter president.
“It’s difficult for a lot of people. It’s one of those silent illnesses, people struggle day to day,” Hughton explained.
READ MORE: Food poisoning may be linked to higher risk of Crohn’s disease: study
Symptoms often associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anemia and fatigue. Some who have the disease can go to the bathroom upwards of twenty times a day.
“Unfortunately people are stigmatized and they don’t want to share what they’re going through with a lot of people. They think it’s something that people don’t want to hear about,” Hughton said.
Events like “Lets do Brunch” help welcome those who have been newly diagnosed find support and learn keys to improving quality of life.
“A lot of people suffer silently. Depression, anxiety and mental health are also huge parts of IBD, Crohn’s and colitis,” Hughton said.
The brunch also helps raise money for local and national research programs, like the one Noelle Rohatinsky is working on to help better transition adolescents into adult care.
“There’s no pediatric gastroenterologist in Saskatchewan, so often children and adolescents have to go outside of the province for care. That really creates a gap in resources and knowledge. Creating potential for poor health outcomes,” Rohatinsky explained.
Every day researchers are getting closer to finding a cure.
READ MORE: Researchers may have found the cause of Crohn’s disease
In September, fungus was identified as a key factor in Crohn’s disease, proving fundraisers like the Saskatoon brunch can help make the difference in hundred of thousands of lives.
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