Gutsy Walkers show big support for Canadians with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

Crohn's and Colitis Canada's annual walk raises $3.2 million to support inflammatory bowel disease research

TORONTO, June 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Crohn's and Colitis Canada's 2017 Gutsy Walk raised $3.2 million to support research, advocacy, awareness, and patient-focused programs to improve the lives of everyone impacted by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis – the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nearly 20,000 people laced up their sneakers on Sunday at over 60 Gutsy Walk locations across the country.

Now in its 22nd year, the Gutsy Walk brought friends, families, and coworkers together to show loved ones living with these chronic diseases that they are not alone. The money they fundraised will help to stop the pain, multiple surgeries, and missed moments so often caused by Crohn's and colitis.

"Year after year, I am amazed at the tenacity of fundraisers and the generosity of Canadians at large," said Mina Mawani, President and CEO of Crohn's and Colitis Canada. "The money raised through our Gutsy Walk is critical in helping us fund research, advocacy, and patient programs – all of which are vital to improving the quality of life of our patients and ultimately our quest to find the cures. It's making a dramatic difference today, as Crohn's and Colitis Canada has become one of the top funders of Crohn's and colitis research in the world."

Canada has one of the highest rates of IBD in the world. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic diseases that affect nearly 250,000 Canadians and cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This results in ulcerations, severe pain, internal bleeding, and particularly when the condition is not properly treated, an unpredictable and urgent need to use the washroom.

The Gutsy Walk helps fund research like the Crohn's and Colitis Canada GEM (Genetic, Environmental, Microbial) Project, which aims to uncover the causes of Crohn's disease, as well as local support and education programs.

Donations to the Gutsy Walk will continue to be accepted until July 5, 2017, and can be made online at www.gutsywalk.ca.

For Gutsy Walk photos from across the country, please visit: www.gutsywalk.ca. Find Crohn's and Colitis Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @getgutsycanada.

About Crohn's and Colitis Canada
Crohn's and Colitis Canada is the only national, volunteer-based charity focused on finding the cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the lives of children and adults affected by these diseases. We are one of the top two health charity funders of Crohn's and colitis research in the world, investing over $100 million in research to date. We are transforming the lives of people affected by Crohn's and colitis (the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease) through research, patient programs, advocacy, and awareness.

SOURCE Crohn's and Colitis Canada

For further information: For more information or to arrange interviews with your local Gutsy Walk Honorary Chair, local volunteers, Crohn's and Colitis Canada staff, researchers, or people living with Crohn's or colitis, please contact: Rasheed Clarke, Coordinator, Marketing & Communications, rclarke@crohnsandcolitis.ca, 416-920-5035, ext. 215