Shining a light on World IBD Day
Announcement posted by PR Services Online 12 May 2016
More than 75,000 Australians (1 in 250) are affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease or IBD). These chronic and debilitating diseases are becoming more prevalent, complex and severe, yet they remain largely invisible.
On the evening of Thursday 19 May, key landmarks around Australia will be lit up in blue and yellow, to recognise IBD sufferers, their families and supporters. These include:
· Melbourne: Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne Star, Federation Square
· Brisbane: Brisbane City Hall and King George Square,
· Adelaide: Adelaide Oval, Walk bridge to Adelaide Oval
· Canberra: Carillon
· Perth: Bell Tower
As founding members of the global campaign, World IBD Day, Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA) continues to support international colleagues and stand united with them as part of the global campaign to raise awareness of IBD.
Although the colour purple is associated with IBD in other parts of the world, after consultation and agreement with our international colleagues , Australia will officially be using the colors ‘blue and yellow’ on 19 May to stand out from the many Australian causes using the color purple (as well as the recent Prince memorial campaign).
The social media hashtag #unitedwestand2016 will be used to show solidarity and website www.worldibdday.org will feature a map of the world pinpointing the places that have agreed to join World IBD celebrations.
Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA), the peak patient body representing people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is urging Australians’ to talk about these diseases during May and encouraging the community, health professionals and policy makers to take action in support of people living with these chronic conditions.
CEO of CCA, Francesca Manglaviti, said IBD is quietly turning peoples’ lives upside down and Australia needs to become more educated about its significant impacts.
“IBD is enormously disruptive to peoples’ lives, physically and emotionally. Australia has one of the highest rates of prevalence and incidence of Crohn’s and colitis in the world and the number of sufferers is predicted to reach 100,000 in less than ten years,” said Ms Manglaviti.
“Most people are diagnosed in the prime of their life, which can cause lengthy absences from school and work, and delayed physical development in children with IBD,” said Ms Manglaviti. “It’s vital for people with bowel symptoms talk to their doctor immediately. Uncontrolled inflammation of the bowel can lead to the need for multiple surgeries and in some cases cause significant disability
- ENDS –
For more information about this media release please contact:
Janita Friend
Crohn’s & Colitis Australia
Mob: 0412 752 763