Crohn’s & Colitis New Zealand Charitable Trust (CCNZ) was established in early 2010 to respond to the needs of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis – both forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – patients across New Zealand. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic autoimmune diseases that affect over 20,000 New Zealanders. The incidence of these diseases in our country is the third highest in the world. Of these 20,000 people, approximately 45% are children and young people. Patients deal with symptoms of chronic diarrhoea and abdominal pain amongst many other excruciating symptoms and as such are often isolated socially due to frequent hospitalization and surgeries. Many suffer irreversible surgeries, often at a young age, that means many of the events we all naturally experience in life’s journey are often considered impossible or hard to achieve for those living with IBD and their families. These events can be employment and career-related, pregnancy and childbirth, intimate relationships and social networks, holidays and travel and schooling and education. A simple visit to the mall or shopping with friends be a major event that requires planning. Our vision is ‘to transform the lives of children, young people, families and all of those affected by IBD and to lead these communities to increasing connectedness. Crohn’s & Colitis New Zealand is a growth focused and sustainable organization which innovates and is responsive to opportunities to optimize and support the wellbeing of those affected by IBD. Our mission is ‘to make lives more liveable for everyone in New Zealand affected by IBD. We offer information channels, education and support networks and provide a structure around which people can unite to raise awareness of these diseases. We seek to enhance their capability to live in a positive and hope-filled environment which will contribute to their happiness and help them feel empowered to maximise their potential and realise their l
