First Annual World Crohn's and Colitis Day May 23

BOSTON, May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The First Annual World Crohn's and Colitis Day (WCCD) on May 23 is a patient-inspired celebration that will connect the millions of people worldwide with others living with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), collectively known as Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD).

The movement was born from a documentary film, "True Guts: The Struggle with and Triumph Over Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis", about IBD created to remove the stigma associated with having IBD. "True Guts" creator, Josh Golder, 25, who has had Crohn's since age 14, has shown the film in theatre venues and universities, including Harvard and UC-Berkeley, across the country. The response has been is overwhelming.

Commemorations to discuss WCCD are planned in Boston, where Golder lives, but are planned all over America and as far away as Israel and Australia. Additionally, patients are setting up "True Guts" screenings across the U.S. to encourage the movement to continue.

"It's truly amazing to see people who previously felt embarrassed or voiceless living with Crohn's or colitis - even to their own doctors - come out of their shells and talk about it with others," said Golder. "People are opening up to one another, finding out more about what is happening to them and imparting their wisdom to others so that they have the guidance they need to live a happier life. We can't let this positive momentum fade when we know that awareness can lead to funding for a cure."

Former President George H. W. Bush (whose son Marvin has UC) praised "True Guts": "Using his talent and his personal experience, Josh Golder is now reaching out to thousands whose lives are affected by IBD, bringing them hope, strength, and encouragement. We join in commending him for his efforts to make a difference."

More than one million Americans live with IBD, with an estimated 500,000 more misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. IBD is the fastest growing disease in western countries.

Golder has used his diagnosis as a motivating factor in life, opening a gym, venturing into real estate and making "True Guts". It was endorsed the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.

To see video trailers of True Guts, visit http://www.trueguts.com/trailer_crohnsdisease.html

SOURCE The First Annual World Crohn's and Colitis Day