As more and more Canadians struggle with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada wants Canadians to know they don't need to struggle alone.

According to Darrah Horobetz, Development Coordinator at Crohn's and Colitis Canada based in Winnipeg, their organization has a dual focus. The organization is a national, volunteer-based charity focused on improving the lives of Canadians living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as raising funds to invest in research to find a cure.

"Crohn's and colitis are autoimmune diseases that fall under the category of inflammatory bowel disease, also known as IBD," Horobetz says. "These are diseases that inflame the lining of your gastrointestinal tract, and it disrupts your body's ability to digest food and absorb nutrition."

Pre-pandemic Gutsy Walk. Photo credit: Crohn's and Colitis CanadaOne of the major fundraisers the organization holds annually is the Gutsy Walk. "100 percent of the money raised goes to research," Horobetz explains regarding the event. "This year, our goal is to raise $2.2 million nationally. All of that money will go directly into research that's occurring across the country and around the world."

As of 2021, the walk has occurred for 26 years. "It started as a small fundraising walk years ago, and now it's happening in more than 60 locations across the country, usually in person." However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, some plans for 2021's Gutsy Walk have been altered.

"We would come together on a single day, which is usually the first Sunday in June, but this year we're doing it virtually," Horobetz explains. "We're still coming together, but just apart." For 2021, the event is scheduled for Sunday, June 6th.

The walk has also proven to be an opportunity to connect with communities, family, and friends. "I know we have people that return every year, and they come up with super creative team names. They're really funny." Horobetz says. "Last year, we had a team that was named Puma Pants. We have a bunch of different kinds of teams. People get really creative, and some even make shirts."

Horobetz notes that even some businesses participate in the event. "The Canada Life Gutbusters is a corporate team, so they're a business that's in a team which is really exciting." She says. "We love to see corporate teams. People get really creative year after year."

If someone is interested in supporting the Gutsy Walk, there are several ways to participate. "If you're interested in joining, either by fundraising or walking, you can register online at gutsywalk.ca, and you can select which walk-in Manitoba works best for you," Horobetz notes. "There's a couple locations that have pre-existing walks, but if nothing works, we always encourage people to sign up for the Manitoba virtual walk. Then, you can send that link to friends and family, fundraise, and just spread the word."

"Gutsy Walk is a day to get together and celebrate what's going on within the community for Crohn’s and colitis," Horobetz notes. "We're always trying to encourage people to register while also raise awareness."

Pre-pandemic Gutsy Walk. Photo credit: Crohn's and Colitis Canada