IBDesis

IBDesis (pronounced IBD Deh-sees) is a platform dedicated to uniting & empowering individuals living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis) & chronic GI conditions around the globe.

IBDesis’ mission is to minimize the cultural stigma and normalize rhetoric surrounding diagnosis, treatment, and/or surgery for chronic GI ailments. As patients navigating chronic GI conditions, we remain mired in stigma and fears best encapsulated in the ‘What Are People Going to Say/Think?’ rhetoric. These cultural barriers lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment as well as mental health challenges around coping with largely invisible illness(es). Team IBDesis aims to break the silence and provide the support necessary for patients and caregivers to live fuller lives despite the debilitating intersections of culture and gastrointestinal disease.

In pursuing these goals, IBDesis has joined hands with gastroenterologists, IBD nurses, GI dieticians, GI pharmacists, and GI psychologists to form SAIA. IBDesis is now an integral part of the Patient Outreach and Advocacy Committee of SAIA, serving as the patient advocacy arm of SAIA. IBDesis has expanded to support all individuals living with all those affected by IBD and other chronic GI conditions from around the world.