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- Health
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- AwarenessDiseasesEducational
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- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every December 1-7
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Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week runs from December 1 to December 7 each year, dedicated to shedding light on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This week aims to educate the public about symptoms, causes, and management strategies for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Join the movement to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and support those living with IBD.
Want to sponsor Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week? Learn how
Expected Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week Deals
During Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial fundraising and advocacy efforts. Organizations like the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation often partner with pharmaceutical companies such as Takeda, Pfizer, and AbbVie to amplify their messaging and secure donations. Look for donation-matching campaigns, virtual events, and opportunities to purchase branded merchandise where proceeds benefit IBD research and patient support programs. Many local businesses, inspired by the cause, may host special fundraisers or offer a portion of sales to IBD charities. We will update this page with confirmed live events and donation drives as December approaches.
Platform Guide for Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CrohnsColitisAwarenessWeek. Share personal stories, educational infographics, or photos from awareness events.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #IBDAwarenessWeek. Participate in live chats, retweet research updates, and share advocacy calls to action.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CrohnsAndColitis. Join community groups, share fundraising links, and post about local support events.
Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week Hero
Dr. Burrill B. Crohn
History of Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week
Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week is observed to support and encourage those who are diagnosed with this disease. Crohn’s disease involves the inflammation of one’s gastrointestinal tract. Ulcerative colitis is a similar inflammatory condition that affects the colon and large intestine. Crohn’s disease and colitis are commonly known as inflammatory bowel disease.
For years, not much research was conducted on Crohn’s or colitis. English physicians Wilks and Moxon were the first ones to study colitis. Crohn’s disease was discovered by Dr. Burrill B. Crohn, Leon Ginzburg, and Gordon D. Oppenheimer. They researched 14 patients who were experiencing symptoms such as severe abdominal cramps, chronic diarrhea, and sudden weight loss. After conducting in-depth research on these symptoms, the doctors named the disease ‘regional ileitis’. The name was later changed to Crohn’s disease.
After the discovery of Crohn’s disease and colitis, much research was still needed to minimize the symptoms. During the 1950s, when a woman in her 20s named Suzanne Rosenthal experienced severe abdominal pain and fever, doctors failed to diagnose her illness. The symptoms worsened until doctors were finally able to diagnose her illness. She was suffering from Crohn’s disease and since no treatment was readily available to cure her symptoms, Suzanne, together with her husband, started an organization to create awareness about Crohn’s disease.
During the same period, a young boy named Michael was also suffering from Crohn’s disease. He and Suzanne received treatment at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and worked together to collect funds for the research and development of Crohn’s disease.
Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week timeline
The term ‘ulcerative colitis’ is used for the first time.
Physicians identify the symptoms of Crohn's disease.
Rosenthal is diagnosed with Crohn's disease.
Rosenthal and her husband, Irwin M. Rosenthal, establish the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, a non-profit organization in the U.S.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week
Local businesses can show solidarity during Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week by hosting fundraisers or offering special promotions that donate a portion of proceeds to IBD research. Restaurants might feature gut-friendly menu options and highlight the cause. Healthcare providers can offer free educational seminars or screenings, while pharmacies can create displays with information on IBD management and support resources. Engaging employees in a walk or run for the cause also builds team spirit and community involvement.
Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week FAQs
When is Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week?
Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week 2026 runs from Tuesday, December 1 through Monday, December 7. This annual observance is a crucial time for advocacy and education.
How many people are affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?
Approximately 3.1 million Americans are affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This makes it a significant public health concern.
What is the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?
Both are types of IBD, but Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, often in patches, and involves all layers of the bowel wall. Ulcerative colitis, however, is limited to the large intestine (colon and rectum) and typically affects only the innermost lining.
What are the common symptoms of Crohn's and colitis?
Common symptoms for both conditions include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms can vary in severity and may come and go, making diagnosis challenging.
How to Observe Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week
Learn about inflammatory bowel disease (I.B.D.)
Collect facts and other useful information related to I.B.D. from the websites of organizations that help to create awareness about Crohn’s disease and colitis. Take note of the most useful information, and share it online on your social media accounts, using the hashtag #CCAwarenessWeek.
Practice yoga
Yoga is a great way to improve your digestive health and is a traditional form of exercise, which has been around for centuries. It is beneficial for both your mental and physical health. It consists of various movements and breathing techniques that help to stimulate the nervous system. It improves digestive health by eliminating stress, improving circulation, as well as movement in the gastrointestinal tract.
Participate in online events
Various live sessions and seminars are organized by hospitals, researchers, and physicians throughout the week to educate patients and caregivers about Crohn’s disease and colitis. Try to participate in such events this Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week. Discover what the various symptoms of I.B.D. are and learn about the various treatment methods.
5 Facts About Our Digestive Health That Will Blow Your Mind
Immunity and gut health
More than 70% of our immune system is in our gastrointestinal (G.I.) tract.
Digestive diseases statistics
Each year, over 60 million Americans suffer from gastrointestinal disorders.
Yoga for digestion
Yoga aids digestion naturally by reducing constipation, inflammation, and bloating.
Gut bacteria
More than 100 trillion bacteria live inside our GI tract.
Passing wind
On average, a person passes gas 15 times a day.
Why Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week is Important
It encourages people to take care of their gut health
Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week creates awareness about bowel health and motivates people, especially adults, to take care of their digestive health. People all around the world learn how to manage Crohn's symptoms and become motivated to make adequate dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent various digestive problems.
It creates awareness about inflammatory bowel disease (I.B.D.)
English physicians Wilks, Moxon and Dr. Burrill B. Crohn, Leon Ginzburg, and Gordon D. Oppenheimer are some of the most prominent names who have contributed to creating awareness about I.B.D. Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week helps to highlight the efforts of these physicians who have contributed to the research and diagnosis of I.B.D.
It educates people about different treatments to control Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease and colitis cannot be completely cured but their symptoms can be reduced through proper care and medication. This week helps to create awareness about these treatments.
Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 1–7 | Tuesday–Monday |
| 2027 | December 1–7 | Wednesday–Tuesday |
| 2028 | December 1–7 | Friday–Thursday |
| 2029 | December 1–7 | Saturday–Friday |
| 2030 | December 1–7 | Sunday–Saturday |
Social Media Tips for Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week
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