Learn About Our New Washington Virtual Support Group
Meet Emily Skeers, an IBD patient living in Olympia, Washington! Emily was an emerging opera singer and teacher until her life was turned upside down by debilitating illness and a Crohn’s disease diagnosis in 2016. Her disease is now well managed, and she is a wife and stay-at-home mom of two children. In 2020, I decided I needed a support group, and it was up to me to start one, Emily explains. I began the Olympia area group via Zoom in the middle of the pandemic. Over time it became clear there was a big need for online support group meetings. I am relaunching my group in July as the Washington Virtual Support Group.
My goal for the group is to create a sense of community where we all feel supported to learn, share, and grow. Life with IBD is not easy, but we can still live full, meaningful lives. One of the best ways to do that is to connect with others who understand your journey. I hope you will join us!
This group meets virtually at 7pm Pacific Time on the third Thursday of each month. Please contact volunteer facilitator Emily Skeers to receive email updates about this group!
Recognizing the Needs of LGBTQ+ IBD Patients During Pride Month
June is observed as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning/Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan.
LGBTQ+ IBD patients face unique challenges – both in their healthcare treatment as well as with “coming out” with their disease. In fact, many patients compare sharing the news that they have Crohn’s or colitis to the experience of coming out as LGBTQ+. Patients are also often not provided with information about how to navigate their sexuality with their disease and may feel uncomfortable asking questions about sex and intimacy.
To learn more about Pride Month from Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation CEO Michael Osso, click here.
You can also watch this video in which LGBTQ+ IBD patients Will Lanier and Maddie Marquard discuss their experiences in both communities and the unique challenges they face in their disease journey.
Learn About Our Upcoming Northwest Chapter Fall Events!
Epicure and spin4 crohn's & colitis cures
For the first time ever, this year's Epicure event will be in person! On Friday, October 21st, the local IBD community will gather for a night of inclusive dining, musical entertainment, and an auction benefitting the mission of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
Get your sweat on and pedal with a purpose on event date at spin4 crohn’s & colitis cures seattle! We’re hosting an epic #partyonabike at the Washington Athletic Club, and we hope you’ll join us on November 5. Don’t miss out on this year’s swag - each registered participant will receive their choice of a tech t-shirt or tank top, as well as a bag & cooling towel.
If you are taking a biologic therapy, you may have heard about, or are curious about, biosimilars. Biosimilars are designed to be near identical copies of biologic medications, are safe and effective, and have no clinically meaningful differences. Click here to learn more about biosimilars.
