Gutsy Walk for Crohn’s and Colitis set for Sunday

On Sunday, thousands of Canadians will help make an invisible disease visible.

More than 60 Gutsy Walk for Crohn’s and Colitis events are slated to take place across the country, including Lethbridge.

Their message? It takes guts to stop the pain, the multiple surgeries and the missed moments caused by these chronic diseases, which affect the digestive system and cause the intestinal tissue to be inflamed.

One in 150 people in Canada are affected and may experience abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and other unpleasant symptoms.

“It’s hard because it’s an invisible disease,” said Karen Gay, Gutsy Walk co-ordinator and Crohn’s and Colitis Canada volunteer. “People can’t see what’s going on inside of a person’s guts. Often there will be weight loss, fatigue, chronic diarrhea. So, on the outside, they can look perfectly fine.”

The Gutsy Walk aims to bring awareness to the diseases in order to help better the lives of those affected.

“It’s hard sometimes for people with employment,” Gay said. “I know people who have lost jobs because of it, or because they can’t do the job that they’re trained for.” Like a teacher, she explained. “If you have a flare, you can’t just run out to the classroom because you have to use the washroom.”

While Gay noted it can difficult at a workplace, it can also be an issue for people trying to access a washroom while they’re out in public. However, in a number of cities, businesses have started to participate in the GoHere Washroom Access Initiative, which provides people with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other medical conditions the opportunity to use the washroom with no questions asked.

“A lot of times, you don’t have a choice — you have to go now. But, if you’re somewhere where they won’t let you use the washroom, it’s really difficult,” she said.

The Lethbridge Gutsy Walk for Crohn’s and Colitis takes place at Henderson Lake Park on Sunday, with registration opening at 10 a.m. and the walk an hour later.

For more information, or to donate online, visit www.gutsywalk.ca. Funds raised go towards research, patient programs, advocacy, awareness efforts and more.