Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects nearly 180,000 Australians, and that number is rising. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are life-long diseases with no cure. Because symptoms are often invisible, the daily challenges faced by those with IBD are frequently overlooked.
For Australians living with Crohn's and colitis, the disease can seriously impact their personal life and career, affecting physical and mental health.
DID YOU KNOW?
YOUR IMPACT
Living with Crohn’s or colitis can be overwhelming. Delays in diagnosis, limited access to multidisciplinary care, and the ongoing physical, emotional, and financial burden make managing IBD a daily challenge.
Despite its increasing prevelance, IBD remains significantly underfunded, and is the only major chronic condition in Australia without dedicated government funding for patient support.
By taking part in the Live Fearless Challenge you can help to change that.
Every dollar raised helps fill this gap by funding vital research, providing ongoing support services, and advocating for better care and outcomes for people living with IBD.
Owen
Running has become more than just a sport for me; it’s a form of therapy, a way to reclaim control over my body after years of feeling helpless. Through these experiences, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the physical and emotional challenges that come with living with an ostomy bag. It was during my training and recovery that I had a realisation which led me to start a company aimed at helping others like me regain their confidence in movement with supportive clothing. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to feel secure and supported during physical activities, and I’m now channeling my experiences into creating a solution for that.
Sandeep
Bree
My specialist has said to me that getting a bachelor’s degree as well as two postgraduate degrees is unreal. Not many people can persist with the level of pain that can come from Inflammatory Bowel Disease. I think it has made me a more resilient person. I’ve almost lost my life a few times, so I’m determined to tick off my goals. You never know what the next day will bring, and there’s extra motivation to live every day to its fullest.
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
Funds raised through the Live Fearless Challenge directly support the IBD community by helping CCA invest in life-changing research, education, advocacy, and provide essential support services for people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Research
We invest in vital research by funding scholarships and supporting clinical projects focused on improving the diagnosis, treatment, and care of people living with Crohn’s disease and colitis.
Education
We deliver free programs and services to enhance community knowledge and understanding of Crohn’s and colitis in the community.
We help improve knowledge of IBD in the healthcare industry through intiatives like GutSmart, an education platform for dietitians, psychologists and general practitioners.
Advocacy
We advocate for improved quality of care with more effective and affordable treatments, multidisciplinary team support and other changes to the health system which to improve outcomes for people living with Crohn's and colitis.
Support
We offer free support through our Helpline and Nurseline for anyone living with IBD or caring for someone who is.
We offer peer support for teens and young adults, and host events designed to support and empower kids and teens living with IBD.
We run on-line and in-person support groups across the country.
