Live fearlessly and wear purple on World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day

19 May is not just Malcolm X Day in the United States, Ho Chi Minh Day in Vietnam and rugby league legend Andrew Johns' birthday, it's also World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day. In fact, the whole of May is Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Month. The theme this year, according to Crohn's and Colitis Australia (CCA) is for Australians with these conditions to "live fearlessly".

“Living with IBD is much more common than you might expect: 1 in 250 Australians are currently burdened with a constant, often hidden, struggle that affects a sufferer’s personal, social and work life," explained CCA CEO Francesca Manglaviti.

“People recently diagnosed or living with IBD are often afraid. They’re generally confused by the diagnosis, worried that IBD will severely affect their day-to-day lives and put their dreams out of reach. With IBD patients stigmatised and often misunderstood by others, they can be embarrassed to discuss their illness with family and friends.

“The most important thing for IBD patients to remember is that IBD doesn’t have to stop them living their life, or chasing their dreams."

Manglaviti said CCA provides a whole range of tools, information and support services, including access to a community of people in exactly the same position.

“With the support of the CCA community and support services, IBD patients can live the life they always dreamt of. They just need to embrace their new normal and live fearlessly.”

Purple is the colour of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Manglaviti reported that several iconic landmarks will be doused in purple to recognise the IBD Day, including the Rome's Colosseum, Niagara Falls in the United States and Melbourne's own Federation Square.