DOWNLOAD THIS FREE RESOURCE
IBD takes a lot. Find what helps.
Whether you're living with IBD, supporting someone you love, or looking to better understand Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the free What It Takes Handbook brings helpful information together in one place.
Inside, you'll find:
- Real experiences from people living with IBD
- Helpful information and tips for everyday life
- Trusted Crohn's & Colitis Foundation resources and expert guidance
Download the What It Takes Handbook
2X Your Impact
Make twice the impact for people living with IBD. Donations to this campaign will be matched up to a total of $500,000 through December 31.
Plus, give $50 or more by December 7 and receive the exclusive 2026 Awareness Week T-shirt, designed by Zoe D. Zoe was diagnosed with IBD at age 6 and has had many colonoscopies since. Camp Oasis, the Foundation's camp for kids with IBD, has helped her through her journey.
WHAT IT TAKES
The Stories Behind the Moments.
What people see is only part of the story. Meet people living with IBD and discover some of the planning, adjustments, support, and resilience behind the moments that matter to them.
Kicker, Auburn Tigers
Alex McPherson
“The hardest days were the ones I tried to handle alone. Telling my coaches, my teammates and my family what I was going through is what got me back.”
Professional Musician
Saxl Rose
“People may see me onstage, or in the studio, but they don’t always see the treatments, planning, doctor visits and the hard days behind it.”
Dietitian, living with ulcerative colitis
Rachel Dyckman, RD
“Food doesn’t have to be the enemy. When you find what works for your body, it can become part of how you take care of yourself with IBD.”
LEARN ABOUT IBD
What It Takes to Navigate IBD
Whether you’re living with IBD, supporting someone you care about, or simply want to learn more, explore trusted information and resources from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
What are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and what living with IBD can involve.
Find guidance for your IBD journey
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms, newly diagnosed, or navigating life with IBD, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Explore trusted information, resources, and support to help you take the next step in your journey.
Make your voice heard for the IBD community
Help advocate for policies that improve access to care, advance IBD research, and support people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Explore ways to speak up and help drive meaningful change.
Learn more with MyIBD Learning
Get information and guidance from IBD experts and patient advocates through the Foundation’s free MyIBD Learning programs. Explore educational events, helpful resources, and opportunities to connect with others who understand.
About Crohn's & Colitis Awareness Week
Crohn's & Colitis Awareness Week was created in 2011 by U.S. Senate Resolution 199 and takes place annually from December 1-7, to raise awareness of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In 2026, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's What It Takes campaign is shining a light on the planning, accommodations, support, and resilience that can be part of living with IBD.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation extends its deepest thanks to our Awareness Week sponsors:
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