Can We Take A Moment To Appreciate World IBD Day #IBDBeyondBorders

This past Saturday, May 19th was World IBD Day! This year the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation took a different approach to World IBD Day: This year's theme was IBD Beyond Borders and I love it! The foundation's site says,

" IBD has no borders - geographic, physical, or emotional. The diseases can affect anyone across the globe, every part of your body, and every part of your life. That’s why we need come together to take #IBDBeyondBorders on World IBD Day!"

#IBDBeyondBorders

This is so true. This really resonates with me and I'm sure (with) many others. This is important to me not only as a patient, but also as an African American female living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. IBD doesn't discriminate. And it's certainly not limited to only one race or location (within the body or within the world). Although I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, I've had countless other issues and extra-intestinal manifestations. Many of which I still have to face today (although I have had my colon removed).

IBD affects me daily, in more ways than one. I chose to suffer in silence for a long time because of how my condition is portrayed (in the media) and perceived (by the world). These "borders" are hurtful and can be harmful to patients. For years I tried so hard to live a "normal" life and only made things worse. I ultimately suffered physically and mentally because of it. Showing raw and unfiltered life with IBD is hard. It takes a lot of courage. It's never easy to open up and allow yourself to be so vulnerable. This is especially true when living with a chronic condition. It's okay if you haven't found your voice yet. You can show your support of World IBD Day in many other ways!

But if you are interested....

More than a hashtag...

IBD Beyond Borders is more than just a hashtag, it's a movement. We need recognition for more than just urgency. We need people to see what it's truly like to live with a chronic inflammatory condition. A highly stigmatized, yet debilitating condition. The foundation has put together a few ways you can get involved, including: twitter chats, creating your own personal infographic, a platform to share your own story, social media banners and more! If you would like to get involved you can click here for more information.

This past Saturday, May 19th, patients (including myself) went live on the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Instagram page. This is an amazing opportunity for us all to connect, answer questions (from a first hand perspective) and really support each-other. I hope you joined us!

I for one am more than excited to take IBD beyond these borders society places on our condition. Beyond this stigma that the only thing people with IBD really have to worry about is the bathroom. I'm ready to take IBD beyond the borders that is placed upon us when misinformation surfaces. I'm ready to take IBD beyond the borders of false news and fake cures.

Let's take IBD Beyond Borders together!