Canada

One in 160 Canadians is living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, collectively known as IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). \r\nIBD is most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 30, with the typical onset being in the early 20s.

This is a crucial time in a young person’s life – they’re starting school or careers, getting into more seriously relationships – all of which can be disrupted by a painful, often embarrassing chronic illness.

This May 19, on World IBD Day, young Canadians living with Crohn’s and colitis have sported a World IBD Day badge on their social media channels to raise awareness about the impact of IBD on youth.