Red Deer’s Josh Hall hopes to raise awareness and support for people suffering with Crohn’s and Colitis during next month’s Gutsy Walk.
The June 5 event at McKenzie Trails, starting at 11:30 a.m. (registration at 10 a.m. and barbeque at noon) is expected to attract 75 to 100 people after two years of being virtual at the height of the pandemic.
Hall, the local honourary chair, hopes to raise about $2,000 personally with the local walk aiming for $19,000 and Crohn’s and Colitis Canada targeting $2.9 million nationally for research.
But he feels it’s just as important to draw local supporters — people who aren’t necessarily interested in getting sponsorships for the walk but want to show solidarity for people with this condition.
The 33-year-old journalist was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis following a colonoscopy in 2008 — one year after he first had symptoms. These included inexplicable and often excruciating gut pain, as well as bathroom urgency.
According to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, this urgency can happen between five and 20 times a day for people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Since a washroom is often needed within seconds and public restrooms are scarce, it can cause acute embarrassment, said Hall.
Fearing an accident due to incontinence, many sufferers choose to stay home and become socially isolated
Hall said the disease, which could be caused by stress (genetics could also be a factor, along with other unknown causes) can intensify anxiety, creating a vicious circle effect.
For the past seven years, Hall has been on a biological drug called Remicade, administered by IV. It’s helped him stay in general remission — although this doesn’t mean his day-to-day life is the same as for those without the disease.
About 300,000 Canadians have IBD — up from 270,000 in 2018. Since this is a growing condition, the number is expected to hit 400,000 by 2030. Canada has among the highest rates of IBD in the world, at one in every 140 people.
Those with IBD can try to avoid certain foods that exacerbate the condition. Hall stays away from spicy items and those containing lactose. But everyone is different and has different levels of success, he added.
Since the disease is hitting a lot of younger people, he feels it potentially raises the depression rate of teens who are already dealing with other adolescent problems. “It can be a humiliating thing if you have an accident,” Hall said, noting other kids can be unsympathetic.
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is promoting a GoHere Washroom Access program. Businesses are being encouraged to open their washrooms to those who need them.
People with IBD and others with medical conditions requiring quick washroom access can download the GoHere Washroom Locator App, or spot a decal on the business’s door, and know they can use the facilities, no questions asked. The app contains a personalized access card that is proof of medical need.
For more information, please visit crohnsandcolitis.ca/support-for-you.