“Being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and Celiac disease at a young age changed my childhood. From ages five to ten, I spent countless hours in hospitals, undergoing tests and treatments while other children were simply enjoying being kids.” 💜 Haley turned her experience into art. Her AP Art portfolio expresses the emotional and physical challenges of living with Crohn’s, and today she’s working toward becoming a nurse to give others the same compassion, comfort, and hope healthcare professionals once gave her. The Foundation's #LetsGoThere campaign is breaking the silence around IBD by sharing real stories like Haley's. Share your story today: bit.ly/4i1fv6M

The IBD Help Center is a free resource to turn to when you have questions, need support, or just don't know where to start. Our trained specialists will listen and help you find your next step. It's always okay to ask for help. “People may begin with one question, but often they are looking for reassurance, clarity, and a path forward.” — Ayesha Williams, Senior Director of Education & Support We are here for you! Learn more: bit.ly/4yFajg5

What a moment for the IBD community! 💜 Auburn University kicker Alex McPherson hit a 34-yard game-winning field goal as time expired to beat Georgia, the top-ranked team in the country, 27-24 last Saturday. Two years ago, ulcerative colitis kept him off the field for nearly the entire season. Alex has shared his journey living with IBD and an ostomy, and now he’s showing everyone what’s possible. Congratulations, Alex! You’re an inspiration to everyone living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. 🏈 bit.ly/4ibPYJc

Hear why patients belong at the table. 🎥👇 At #IBDInnovate26 in NYC, Foundation Social Media Ambassador Gaylyn Henderson shared her story and one big ask for everyone building new IBD treatments and tools. Watch to hear what she wants them to remember.

We're live at #IBDInnovate26 in New York City! 🗽 Now in its eighth year, IBD Innovate is the world's only conference uniting the entire IBD product development ecosystem: biotech startups, researchers, industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs, all working to advance therapies, diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health solutions for people living with IBD. 💜

Applications are now open for the 2027–2030 National Scientific Advisory Committee! The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is seeking applicants for its National Scientific Advisory Committee for the 2027–2030 term. The committee brings together researchers and healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, psychologists, social workers, dietitians, and scientists, who work closely with Foundation staff to advance the mission. Members expand their professional networks and build leadership experience while making a lasting impact on patients and families living with IBD. Applications are open through January 31. Learn more and apply: bit.ly/3Wimnq4

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! We're sharing a video featuring Fernando Desa, Corporate Executive Chef at @GoyaFoods, who is familiar with ulcerative colitis. Watch him show us how to make a delicious Pollo al Ajillo (Garlic Chicken) — part of a collaboration between the Foundation's Gut Friendly Recipes and Goya Foods. Visit our Spanish-language website for more resources: bit.ly/3RkAk2j

IBD Innovate is around the corner. Gather with experts involved in the development of novel therapies, devices, and diagnostics for IBD. Learn, share, and connect with industry leaders, scientists, clinicians, funders, and more. Register now: bit.ly/4h37hNO #IBDInnovate26 Check out this video and hear from 2025 attendees: bit.ly/3VEkt2V

Today is World Mental Health Day. People with IBD are three to five times more likely to experience anxiety and two to four times more likely to experience depression than the general population. These feelings are understandable and valid. With the right support, skills, and tools, daily life can feel more manageable. For more on caring for your mental health with IBD, visit: bit.ly/4iay4aX

A new national poll finds nearly 4 in 5 likely voters (78%) support reforming step therapy, the insurance practice that forces patients to try and fail on cheaper drugs before getting the treatment their doctor originally prescribed. A 2024 Foundation survey found that 85% of IBD patients who experienced step therapy suffered adverse health consequences as a result. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is proud to lead alongside 225+ patient and clinician organizations in the Safe Step Coalition, pushing to pass the Safe Step Act, bipartisan legislation giving patients a clear, timely way to appeal these insurer mandates. The data is clear. The momentum is real. Let’s get treatment decisions back where they belong: between patients and their doctors. 👉 See the full poll results here: bit.ly/4ygrTqJ

IBD Innovate is the only conference that brings together leaders from across the IBD R&D ecosystem to accelerate the development of the next generation therapies, diagnostics, and devices for patients living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. If you are an academic or industry researcher, investor, or funder looking to learn, share, and connect, we’ll see you at IBD Innovate! Register now to save: bit.ly/4h37hNO #IBDInnovate26

Traveling with IBD can bring a worry many people don't talk about: needing a restroom fast. ✈️🚻 Our Chief Education, Support and Advocacy Officer, Laura Wingate, spoke with @USATODAY about how people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can plan ahead and travel with more confidence. Her tips include: ✅ Pack medications, supplies, and snacks you tolerate well in your carry-on ✅ Arrive early so you can find restrooms without rushing ✅ Let flight attendants know you may need to use the restroom even when the seatbelt sign is on, as long as it's safe Plus, learn how our free We Can't Wait restroom finder app and I Can't Wait card can help on the go. Read the full article: bit.ly/4i9M3xF

Today is Ostomy Awareness Day. 💜 We're recognizing everyone living with an ostomy, along with the caregivers and care teams who support them. An ostomy can be life-saving and life-changing, yet too many people still face stigma or feel they have to stay silent about their ostomy. Whether you're preparing for surgery, adjusting to a new normal, or years into your journey, you're not alone. Find the Foundation's ostomy support resources here: bit.ly/4difXx2 Thank you to our sponsor, AbbVie, for your support.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation offers a support group for IBD patients conducted entirely in Spanish. Meetings provide a space for Spanish-speaking patients to connect, ask questions, and share experiences with others managing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Learn more and join: bit.ly/3RtkXoB

Rain, steep stone stairs, and 43 miles of mountain trail couldn't stop them. This Team Challenge crew spent 5 days trekking to Machu Picchu, fundraising for our mission to find cures and better treatments and to improve the lives of people living with IBD. Thank you for every mile, every dollar raised, and every bit of hope you carried to the top. 💜

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on top of Machu Picchu! We are so proud of board member and Foundation social media ambassador Rocio Castrillon and her entire Team Challenge team, who hiked up to 16,000 feet through the Ausangate mountains — braving rain, sleet, hail, snow, and strong winds — then descended 8,000 feet to Machu Picchu, all while living with a chronic illness. Rocio returned to her roots in Peru to raise awareness and support for the nearly 1 in 100 Americans living with IBD. 💙🧡

Thanks to the Foundation’s advocacy, California just became the second state in the nation to pass a law making it easier for many IBD patients to get timely medication dose changes without extra insurance hurdles. Dose optimization means your doctor can adjust your chronic meds up to two times—with no long insurance delays—so you get the care you need, faster. Let’s help more states follow California’s lead—join our advocacy team here: bit.ly/4r3PRTt

For 10 years #CCCongress27 has created meaningful connections that build careers, strengthen practices & advance next-gen research & care. Join us in #NOLA for game-changing networking with leaders at the forefront of #IBD science & clinical strategy. Register now: bit.ly/44q0t5k @AmerGastroAssn

Join us for the webinar, “Myths of Surgery in the Hispanic/Latino Community.” Explore when it's necessary to have surgery, what to expect when having surgery, and what life looks like after surgery. 📅 Tuesday, October 13, 2026 ⌚ 7–8 p.m. ET Get the answers you need during our live Q&A session! Register today: bit.ly/4yfXPw6

“Crohn’s is not who you are, but it helps build who you become.” 💙 Meet Miles — a young athlete navigating life with IBD while continuing to do what he loves: play baseball. Flare-ups have brought some of his toughest moments, including missing time on the field, but baseball has remained a source of hope, strength, and resilience. Through his journey, Miles has learned to listen to his body, take things one day at a time, and lean on the support of his family, friends, and teammates. IBD may be invisible, but the experiences of those living with it are real. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s #LetsGoThere campaign shares stories like Miles’ to break the silence around IBD and remind others they are not alone. Share your story today: bit.ly/4i1fv6M