Because Digestive Health Matters
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders August 2022 eNewsletter
Greetings!

It’s Gastroparesis Awareness Month! Established by IFFGD in 2016, this awareness campaign takes place every year during the month of August. Gastroparesis is a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that affects up to five million people in the United States alone and about 38 women and 10 men per 100,000 people. In recognition of Gastroparesis Awareness Month, IFFGD has assembled a variety of resources that can be used to help better understand the symptom burdens and quality of life issues for patients. We plan to use our platform this month to raise awareness through promoting education and encouraging research.

In recognition of Gastroparesis Awareness Month, IFFGD is launching a campaign to acknowledge the challenges of living with gastroparesis — symptom burdens, finding the right treatment options, and lifestyle modifications — using the hashtag #LivingWithGP. During Gastroparesis Awareness Month, we invite you to share your gastroparesis story and make your voice heard with #LivingWithGP. We encourage you to explore this month’s newsletter and learn how to support the gastroparesis community. 
Color of Crohn’s & Chronic Illness (COCCI) is a nonprofit dedicated to the health equity and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities that are challenged with digestive diseases and chronic illnesses. This organization aims to improve the quality of life for BIPOC who are affected by IBD, Digestive Disorders, and associated Chronic Illnesses through community, research, education, and advocacy.

The #EquityinIBD Symposium is the first hybrid patient symposium focused on the BIPOC patient community. Speakers include patients, gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, advanced practice providers, and nonprofit professionals.
IFFGD is excited to announce our collaboration with COCCI through the #EquityinIBD Symposium to help provide patients with the tools they need and uplift the patient community from all walks of life. We recognize the gap between the BIPOC and medical community and look forward to being a part of that change by participating in future events and advocacy with COCCI.

COCCI offers a variety of resources and ways to get involved. Visit their website to explore more about this organization and their commitment to equality in the GI field.
IFFGD recognizes the struggle of living with GI or motility disorders. These long-term conditions often impair quality of life and well-being. Those suffering may have trouble caring for themselves and their health, as well as maintaining relationships with friends, family members, or colleagues.

Millions of people struggle with GI and Motility Disorders every day. It can be easy to feel alone, but we hope these resources can help remind you that you are not alone.

Click here to view personal stories submitted by our patient community. These stories provide an outlet for those with GI and motility disorders to share what they are going through and to give advice on things that have or have not worked for them. This is a great resource for patients and advocates alike.

Click the button below to view more tips and tricks on living with a GI or motility disorder.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2022 Virtual Digestive Health Wellness & Walk Event. Thanks to all of you, this has been one of our largest and most successful events to date!

Event Summary Highlights:

# of Registered Participants: 386
# of Supporters: 481
# of Teams: 39
# of Sponsors: 11
Registration & Donations: $16,249
# Steps Taken: 17,914,286
# of Wellness\Participation Points: 5,620,453
Scrapbook Posts: 200

Click the button below to view our event page summary.
Gastroparesis is a condition often known as delayed gastric emptying. This means that people with this disorder are unable to empty food from their stomachs as quickly as they should. Gastroparesis remains a little-known condition, and many face diagnostic delays, suffering for an average of five years before receiving much needed answers and care.

Patients may experience multiple misdiagnoses during this time, undergoing numerous hospitalizations and diagnostic tests. The seemingly ‘never ending’ search for answers can leave patients and family members feeling disheartened and hopeless. This year, we aim to help shed light on ways to overcome these challenges.

During Gastroparesis Awareness Month, IFFGD is working to focus attention on important health messages about gastroparesis diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues. Our goals include improving the understanding of gastroparesis to help patients and families manage the condition and encouraging preventative strategies.

One way to do this, is through education. Click the button below to visit our Gastroparesis website and click here to view our 2022 Gastroparesis Awareness Month Toolkit.
Are you looking for a new read? We have complied a list of books that provide information on various topics relating to gastrointestinal disorders and digestive health.

These books are perfect for educating yourself on a new topic, reading more about your or a family member or friends’ condition, or bringing up a new idea to your dietician or healthcare provider.

Please consult with a healthcare provider or other qualified professionals before taking action based on the information in these publications.
Clinical trials and research studies help to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of diseases and advance the development of new and better treatment options. By participating in a study, you can help further the advancement of research and learn more about your condition.

Here are 3 studies currently recruiting participants:
Treatments for COVID-19: Canadian Arm of the SOLIDARITY Trial (CATCO)
Eosinophilic Gastritis and Gastroenteritis
Efficacy and Safety of Benralizumab in Patients With Eosinophilic Gastritis and/or Gastroenteritis (The HUDSON GI Study) (HUDSON GI)
Colorectal Cancer
Impact Study of a Digital Solution for Patient Engagement
August Spotlight
2022 Latin Ambassador: Dr. Ricardo Ariel Chanis Águila
Dr. Ricardo Ariel Chanis Águila is a Pediatric Gastroenterologist at the Children’s Hospital Dr. José Renán Esquivel, Panama City.

He is also a Clinical Professor at the University of Panama. Dr. Águila is also a member of several other organizations including being an active member of LASPGHAN and NASPGHAN as well as the Coordinator of the Doctorate University Program in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.

Dr. Ricardo Ariel Chanis Águila is a member of the FINDERS group for the study of functional disorders in Latin America and the Coordinator of the LASPGHAN Working Group. He holds seventy-five publications in national and international journals with eighteen in the field of functional digestive disorders in pediatrics.
IFFGD is a nonprofit organization. We rely on donor support to fund research and to provide reliable information and support to those affected by chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
IFFGD | 414-964-1799 | iffgd@iffgd.org | www.iffgd.org