World Crohn's and Colitis Day
May 23 · Level 4 · #1389 of 2238
This day shines a light on inflammatory bowel diseases: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It reminds everyone that millions of people live with these conditions, and it makes it easier to talk about a subject many find awkward.
How it is celebrated: patient groups hold online meetings and talks by doctors, people share their own stories, and many wear something purple, the colour of awareness for these illnesses.
Crohn's disease is named after the American gastroenterologist Burrill Crohn, who described it with colleagues in 1932. It can affect any part of the digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis involves only the colon and rectum.