Speaker to discuss Crohn's and Colitis

Crohn's and Colitis, collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, affects 1.4 million Americans and is often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 25. IBD is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Persistent diarrhea, crampy abdominal pain, and fever are some of the hallmark symptoms.

In order to help other students, Justin Gray, a Grand Valley student, started the Crohn's and Colitis Student Initiative last fall. Members include students with IBD, those that have friends or family members with IBD, or just those that want to learn more.

Dr. Harold Conrad, a pediatric gastroenterologist, will address the barriers students with IBD face and what faculty members can do to eliminate these hindrances. Several members of the group will also be discuss the challenges faced by those who suffer from the condition. The event is set for Thursday, March 25, at the Cook-DeWitt Center from 5-6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Justin Gray at [email protected].