THUNDER BAY – On Sunday, a number of people came out to the Gutsy Walk, held in support of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
All donations went directly towards Crohn's and Colitis Canada, which supports research, programs and advocacy.
Jesse Gilbert, who attended alongside the BDO walkers, said they are raising money to help further research towards finding a solution that would make life better for those who are struggling.
“A lot of people I know suffer from this disease.
“This impacts our office directly, so if a Gutsy Walk is held in Thunder Bay next year, we’ll likely have a team again,” Gilbert said.
The BDO walkers were a team of nine co-workers who all came together to raise $5,775 - surpassing their $5,000 goal.
“I love seeing my colleagues out in the community, participating and being active members,” he added.
“It’s a beautiful day in Thunder Bay for a walk around Boulevard.”
Over 322,000 Canadians live with the regular disruptions to daily life these diseases cause.
Someone new is diagnosed with Crohn's or colitis every 48 minutes in Canada.
The Gutsy Walk is Canada’s largest community event for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Gutsy Walk has raised over $52 million for programs and research since 1996.
Jessica Jurcik, a participant living with Crohn's and Colitis, said having lived with the disease for over half her life, she knows just how isolating it can be.
“Bringing awareness and having people know that they’re not alone is super important.”
With these types of diseases, not everybody wants to talk about it, she said. But to see the support coming out in the community is amazing.
“Having the support of others and knowing that in Thunder Bay, which is a relatively large community but a small one in the grand scheme of things, there are people that are supporting this cause,” she said.
“Last year was the first time I noticed it was happening in person. I wanted to take part,” she said.
“This cause is something that is really near and dear to my heart,” she said.
At the start of the Gutsy Walk, over $10,310 had been raised, which passed their goal of $6,000.
Donations are open until June 30 on the Gutsy Walk website.
