Supporting Kids Appeal
Support children living with Crohn’s and colitis
“I believe Xavier has had colitis from birth, and I’ve raised issues with GPs from early on. I have four kids, and I knew that the quantity and type of his bowel movements were not normal. The bleeding started in January 2023, when he was about 18 months old. When I saw this bright red stuff, I freaked out immediately. We went to the local hospital to be told that Xavier had a dairy intolerance, and that we should change his diet. We waited nine hours to be told “go home –don’t feed him so much dairy.”
Kelly
Children like Xavier are facing a lifetime of challenges with IBD – challenges that no child should have to endure alone. We need your help more than ever to make sure these kids and their families get the support they so desperately need.
At least 5,000
Australian children are living with IBD
“I was able to stay with Mac until he was asleep under the anaesthetic. Only then would I let the tears flow. What would his life be like if he does have Crohn’s Disease? Will there be a cure? Will he need to have part of his gastrointestinal system removed? Will his friends understand? Will he be bullied? He was going into year seven in a few short weeks, will his teachers be supportive and understand? Will he understand what is happening to him? “
Suzie
15-29yo
is the peak age of IBD onset
For teenagers like Mackenzie, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 12, the emotional toll is just as significant as the physical. Navigating school, friendships, and adolescence is hard enough without the added stress of a chronic illness. Mackenzie is finding his way through, but many young people with IBD are still suffering in silence, feeling alone in their struggle.
Imagine the difference your gift will make
We hope there will be a cure. But in the meantime, we’re relying on the support of people like you to help make Xavier, Mac and their family’s day-to-day life a little bit easier. Your generosity ensures that other families will have the same opportunity to feel supported, to meet others who understand, and to access the help they need.
Your donation today will make a lasting impact on young people living with Crohn’s or Colitis. It will help them find the support and community they need to thrive, despite their illness.
Your donation will support:
Camps for kids aged 12-17.
Fun days for kids of all ages and their families.
Events for teenagers to meet people just like them.
At the hospital I waited for three hours in pain until we were seen and then dismissed. I was prescribed with eight satchels of Movicol per day. That turned the problem into an even bigger problem. I had diarrhoea, which led to readmission in the hospital. I had tests and scopes done, which is when the medical team discovered that I had Crohn’s disease. Now I’m moving onto Infliximab. I was quite upset with the news of my diagnosis, but I was happy to find out why I was experiencing the pain in my stomach.
Kaitlyn
Donate now to help kids with Crohn’s and colitis
If you prefer, you can call CCA on 1800 138 029 to make a donation or for more information on regular giving to support CCA’s work and the Crohn’s and colitis community.