Behind the Purple Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Ribbons

The Meaning Behind Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Ribbons

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis cause chronic digestive distress and major life disruption for millions. To promote understanding and support for those affected, various colored ribbons now represent these invisible illnesses.

But whats behind emblems like the purple Crohns and colitis bow? How can these symbols foster greater public awareness during IBD Awareness Month each December and year-round?

Understanding IBD

IBD refers to complex autoimmune conditions causing abnormal intestinal inflammation. Main types include:

• Crohns disease - can involve any gastrointestinal area
• Ulcerative colitis - isolated to the large intestine

Both cause symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding and malnutrition. IBD is currently incurable, hard to predict, and disruptive for work, relationships and quality of life.

Growing Prevalence Yet Invisibility of IBD

IBD used to be relatively rare but is increasing globally. Over 3 million US adults now have IBD. Exact causes are unknown but may involve genetics, immune dysfunction, gut microbes and modern environmental factors.

Despite growing prevalence, IBD remains largely invisible. Symptoms come and go unpredictably. On good days, patients appear healthy on the outside while struggling internally with discomfort, fatigue or worry over when the next flare will strike.

Stigma Around Chronic Digestive Diseases

Cultural embarrassment and stigma concerning bathroom usage and symptoms like gas or diarrhea also isolate those living with Crohns or colitis. Lack of public awareness compounds physical and emotional challenges.

How Colored Ribbons Help Raise IBD Awareness

To fight misconceptions that IBD is rare or easily manageable, various awareness ribbons now foster public visibility for inflammatory bowel diseases.

Background on Awareness Ribbon Symbolism

Colored ribbons first drew major attention in the early 1990s during breast cancer activism. Pink ribbons became iconic symbols to demonstrate care and solidarity with those affected.

This inspired other health conditions to adopt colored ribbons for their awareness campaigns. Ribbons help:

• Visualize the unseen or misunderstood
• Inspire community support and conversations
• Raise funds for medical research

The Official Purple IBD Awareness Ribbon

In 1998, the Crohns and Colitis Foundation (CCFA) introduced the first purple ribbon for IBD awareness. Purple was chosen to reflect a mixture of gastrointestinal bleeding (red) paired with abdominal pain and cramping (blue).

Today, the iconic purple ribbon and IBD Awareness Month each December promote understanding that Crohns and colitis are:

• Painful, disruptive autoimmune disorders
• Growing in prevalence for all ages and backgrounds
• Still needing improved treatments and eventual cures

Alternative IBD Awareness Ribbon Colors

Other colored ribbons also highlight inflammatory bowel diseases now, especially red and blue shades representing blood and abdominal discomfort symptoms.

Specific alternative awareness ribbon colors include:

• Burgundy - highlights Crohns and colitis among people of color
• Orange - raises pediatric IBD visibility in children
• Blue and yellow - promotes overall inflammatory bowel disease awareness

These complementary hues are sometimes mixed with traditional purple Crohns and colitis ribbons for maximized visibility.

Wearing Ribbons for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activism

Beyond simply representing colors, physically wearing awareness ribbon pins or clothing items allows for personal IBD advocacy in daily life.

Ribbons Encourage Public Curiosity and Conversations

Visual symbols like purple bowel disease ribbons prompt questions from friends, coworkers and strangers about their meaning. This gives opportunities to share information to foster gradual societal understanding.

Visual Remembrance of Loved Ones With IBD

Wearing custom engraved ribbons also commemorates loved ones struggling with Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis. This provides solidarity support for better coping.

Fundraising for Research Through Purple Ribbon Products

Buying ribbons, pins and clothing goods emblazoned with the purple bowel disease ribbon raises money for CCFAs medical research initiatives seeking future IBD solutions.

Using Awareness Months and Ribbons to Fight IBD Stigma

Ongoing stigma around openly discussing chronic gastrointestinal troubles poses major quality of life barriers for managing diseases like IBD. Strategic awareness events and ribbons aim to shift cultural norms for the better.

December - Crohns and Colitis Awareness Month

First declared in 2009, CCFA drives IBD visibility each December with their longstanding purple ribbon. Local community education events fight myths that bowel diseases are nominal or taboo.

May - Inflammatory Bowel Disease Awareness Month

Mays IBD Awareness Month also mobilizes broader education around Crohns and colitis. More public visibility encourages political support for research funding and patient protections.

World IBD Day - May 19th

Each May 19th specifically spotlights global solidarity for the over 10 million people internationally estimated to have IBD during World IBD Day. This harnesses ribbons and events to call for better treatments worldwide.

The Future of Crohns Disease and Colitis Activism

While the purple ribbon helps acknowledge Crohns and colitis challenges, true change depends on accelerating medical research for better care options and eventual disease prevention.

Alongside ribbons, continued clinical innovations can help shift IBD from an incurable, embarrassing condition to a manageable set of diseases defeated through human ingenuity, compassion and perseverance.

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.