Gutsy Walk to be a virtual event

By Sulz, Dave on August 8, 2020.

Annual event supports Crohn’s and Colitis Canada

LETHBRIDGE HERALD

The 25th annual Gutsy Walk for Crohn’s and Colitis will be a virtual event in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event – Canada’s largest Crohn’s and colitis fundraiser – will take place Aug. 23 at 60 locations across the country. Since its inception in 1996, the Gutsy Walk has raised more than $45 million, with every dollar helping Crohn’s and Colitis Canada in its efforts to:

– Raise awareness of the diseases;

– Provide support for patients and their families;

– Advocate to governments and stakeholders on behalf of those affected by Crohn’s and colitis;

– Fuel research that will lead to more effective treatments, and ultimately, the cures.

The honorary chair for the 2020 Lethbridge Gutsy Walk is Fort Macleod resident Jordan Harris, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in January 2012.

“… while it was a complete shock to have my life turned upside down at the age of 22, it’s a journey that I wouldn’t trade for any other,” Harris said in a news release.

“This past year has been particularly difficult with seemingly endless hospital visits, doctors’ appointments, and ultimately a medication change; but I’m so grateful for everyone that has supported me and helped me to get to where I am today. Not only do I have an extraordinary IBD nurse and gastroenterologist, I’m also blessed to have an amazing group of friends behind me as well.”

Harris said being involved with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada for four years has “given me the opportunity to meet many incredible people that I wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I wasn’t alone, and it’s been wonderful to connect with others that understand exactly what it’s like to live with IBD.”

Harris said the Gutsy Walk is an event “near and dear to my heart,” and adds this year’s edition is special because it marks the 25th anniversary of the walk, and means getting one step closer to finding a cure for the debilitating illnesses and improving the quality of life for 270,000 Canadians who deal with the diseases.

He also thanked “the amazing people” who volunteer their time and energy to make the Gutsy Walk possible.

For more information about the walk, visit https://gutsywalk.ca/about/

Why-Walk.aspx.

To register, go to http://www.gutsywalk.ca.

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