Crohn's Disease and the Purple Ribbon
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses two major chronic digestive conditions - Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. According to research, around 3 million adults in the U.S. live with IBD.
December is designated as National IBD Awareness Month to educate people about these painful and disruptive gastrointestinal illnesses. Wearing a purple ribbon helps promote understanding of Crohns symptoms and treatments.
What is Crohns Disease?
Crohns disease causes inflammation and irritation in any part of the gastrointestinal tract. While it most often affects the end of the small bowel and the beginning of the colon, it can develop anywhere from mouth to anus.
Some key facts about Crohns include:
- Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition.
- It's considered an autoimmune condition.
- Medications, surgery and lifestyle changes help manage symptoms.
- No known cure exists, but periods of remission are possible.
Meaning of the Purple Ribbon
The color purple conveys pride, courage and survival. For the Crohns disease color ribbon, it represents the daily bravery and resilience of those living with Crohns symptoms.
The symbolic Crohns & Colitis Foundation purple ribbon first appeared in 1984. It began simply as a memorial tribute, but quickly grew into an international symbol of IBD awareness.
When is National Crohns & Colitis Awareness Month?
Each December, organizers plan a full schedule of events centered around National Crohns & Colitis Awareness Month. It provides education on symptoms, treatment options, challenges and triumphs.
Activities aim to rally public support and connect patients fighting these isolating illnesses. The global goal focuses on funding research toward less toxic, more effective IBD treatments to improve quality of life.
Wearing the Purple Ribbon for Crohns
Showing support by wearing a Crohns color ribbon helps honor those struggling day-to-day with IBD. It also pays tribute to those who have lost their lives prematurely due to resulting colon cancer and other complications.
Who Wears the Purple Ribbon?
- Crohns disease patients
- Caregivers, family members and friends
- Gastroenterologists and health care providers
- Teachers, coworkers, neighbors
- IBD researchers and drug companies
- Anyone wishing to promote awareness
Where to Get Crohn's Ribbons
Visit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation online shop to purchase purple ribbons. Products include printable ribbon graphics, pin-back buttons, magnets, wristbands, lanyards and lapel pins.
How to Display the Purple Ribbon
Get creative in how and where you display your Crohns disease awareness ribbon - printed flyers, vehicles, store windows, clothing, wristbands, accessories. Anything visible sparks curiosity and conversation!
Crohns Disease Facts and Statistics
Learning Crohns disease facts helps explain why promoting awareness through the symbolic purple ribbon remains so vital:
- Over 780,000 Americans have Crohns disease.
- Onset frequently occurs between ages 15-35.
- No identifiable cause has been discovered.
- Heritability and environment play a role.
- No medical or surgical cure exists.
Prevalence of Crohn's Disease
According to the CDC, inflammatory bowel disease rose by nearly 51% in youth under age 18 between 2009-2018. Overall, IBD affliction jumped 31% across all ages and ethnicities in the United States.
Research mirrors this trend globally, suggesting IBD affects over 6.8 million total worldwide and numbers continue rising, especially in developing countries.
Economic Burden of Crohns
The direct and indirect costs of Crohn's disease pose a tremendous economic burden exceeding $2.5 billion yearly in the U.S. alone. Costs result from:
- Prescription drug expenses
- Frequent doctor and hospital visits
- Emergency surgeries like bowel resectioning
- Missed time off work and school
- Disability payments
This doesn't include reduced quality of life, social costs and risks of colorectal cancer or bowel obstruction.
Supporting Crohns Awareness
Those sporting purple ribbons aim to dissolve misconceptions surrounding inflammatory bowel disease. Common stigmas wrongly assume IBD patients simply have irritable bowel syndrome or dismiss symptoms as minor stomach issues.
Erase the Stigma
Uninformed attitudes must shift to accommodate IBD patients struggling to manage recurring flare episodes. Expanding societal awareness this December through the Crohn's disease color ribbon helps erase the stigma.
Share Your Crohn's Story
Nothing illuminates the dailyfight against Crohns more than a patients firsthand account. By openly sharing your personal story, you educate others on the painful reality behind this complex diagnosis.
Support Crohns Organizations
Groups like the Crohns & Colitis Foundation organize local events and fund critical research through monies raised by selling purple ribbons and coordinating fundraisers.
Visit their website for valuable Crohns disease patient resources and opportunities to volunteer or donate toward life-changing IBD studies.
FAQs
What does the purple ribbon symbolize?
The purple ribbon symbolizes courage, bravery and survival in the daily battle against symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s.
When should you wear a purple ribbon?
Wear a purple Crohn’s disease awareness ribbon in December for National Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Month. Ribbons can be worn year-round to promote understanding.
Where can I get a Crohn’s ribbon?
Visit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation website to purchase printable purple ribbons, pins, magnets or wristbands to wear and share.
How has Crohn’s disease prevalence changed?
CDC statistics show inflammatory bowel disease rising significantly over the past decade, emphasizing the need to boost awareness about these conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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