On this final day of Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week 2020, I thought it only fitting to reflect on the powerful impact of community and share my top five favorite chronic illness brands doing great things on the online community.
Three Reasons I’m Thankful for the Online IBD Community
The online IBD community has been such an important part of my ulcerative colitis journey (and I’d venture to say it’s played a significant role in many of your journeys too!) It’s been such a fantastic place to share, learn, grow, laugh, cry, and be inspired.
I created The Comical Colon blog and Instagram account in March 2018, and engaging with the IBD community on these platforms has helped me in three major ways:
1. Support
The IBD community is so welcoming! I’ve personally found that everyone is so helpful and kind, even when I have conversations with individuals I haven’t chatted with before. You guys are eager to share your experiences and answer questions to remind others that we don’t have to go through this alone.
2. Resources
The online IBD community is the place to go for the most unique tips, tips, and life hacks when it comes to living with this chronic illness. I’ve learned SO much about IBD since joining the online community, from hydration tips, what to say when strangers or family members give you unsolicited dietary suggestions,
3. Purpose
Lastly, the opportunity to share my personal IBD journey with the online community has given purpose to the pain. It’s so encouraging to know that I can share my story and it may help others, and it’s a wonderful feeling knowing that there is a welcoming platform for us to express ourselves.
My Top 5 Favorite IBD Community Resources
For those of you looking to dive deeper into the IBD community, check out my top five favorite resources!
1. Gali Health
This brilliant tech company is creating an AI-powered app to help you proactively manage your IBD. In both the iOS and Android versions, you can track symptoms, meds, and lifestyle choices, chat directly with the AI and get personalized content and support, and in the iOS version, interact with other IBD warriors in the community space. I’m Gali’s social media manager, so be sure to say hello!
2. Crohn’s and Colitis Young Adults Network (CCYAN)
This incredible company connects young adults with IBD around the world. They have Zoom community meetings, a great fellowship program with inspiring IBD patients who share beautiful content, and day-long Health Advocacy Summits.
3. Color of Crohn’s and Chronic Illness (COCCI)
This non-profit organization is a hub for minorities who battle Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, and other chronic illnesses. The COCCI Instagram has posted so many incredible stories throughout Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness week, so be sure to check them out!
4. IBDMoms
A non-profit organization for moms with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis or who have a child with IBD. They provide resources on topics of pregnancy, motherhood, lifestyle and travel, and Capitol Hill advocacy.
5. The Comical Colon Facebook Group and IBD Resource Bundle
I gotta do a shameless self-promo and include my Facebook group on here. It’s a fairly small group but the conversations in there are so encouraging. Be sure to click on the magnifying glass to search the topic you’re interested in…there may already be some awesome posts and links!
Also, I’ve created a free download for you! It’s called the IBD Resource Bundle and it’s a clickable PDF with loads of resources from symptom tracking apps, to emotional health books, to bathroom access cards. I hope you find it helpful!
Thank You!
The online IBD community has been a huge blessing throughout my IBD journey. I’m so grateful for everyone I’ve met. Thank you to everyone who’s supported me along my journey; I appreciate you all and can’t wait to continue following along with your IBD journeys as we enter into a new year.
Missed some Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week posts? Catch up here!
Read Day 1: On Feeling Invisible
Read Day 2: Fatigue and Productivity
Read Day 3: Three Types of Chronic Illness Acceptance
Read Day 4: Personality Type and Self-Advocacy
Read Day 5: Remission Guilt
Read Day 6: Introvertism and Chronic Fatigue
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