Logan MacLean was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when he was in Grade 6.
Since then, the 25-year-old Summerside man has had two surgeries and been on a rotating assortment of medications to manage his symptoms.
On his optimistic days, the chronic disease lets him notice opportunities he might have missed.
On his pessimistic ones, Crohn’s has taken things from him.
“It’s taken some of my youth from me, but it’s also given me an appreciation for it that I think I wouldn’t have otherwise.”
The 25th annual Gutsy Walk, the largest fundraiser organized by Crohn’s and Colitis Canada to support the 270,000 Canadians living with inflammatory bowel diseases, is taking place on Sunday.
It will be the first year MacLean is able to participate, though not for lack of trying, he said.
“I’ve never been healthy enough to do much of anything other than survive the last many years.”
It’s also the first year the walk has been virtual.
Going Virtual
The walk normally takes place in early June, but with the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) pandemic, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada had to shift gears, pushing the date back and moving the event online to avoid gatherings.
The shift from physical to virtual means things look a lot different for the volunteers and wider organization, said Dawna MacIvor, development co-ordinator for the Maritimes.
“It’s been a very interesting change of thinking for everyone … it’s a very different format.”
The event will still feature local emcees and speakers. It will be broadcast in Atlantic Canada live on each of the four provincial chapters of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada Facebook pages starting at 11 a.m. Atlantic. Closing ceremonies will be at 7 p.m.
The biggest change is that, without a physical event, participants will have more say in when and how they take part, she said.
“This year’s a little different because, though they’re all happening on the same day, people will have the flexibility to walk wherever they want — on a beach, on a hiking trail, in their backyard, in their basement if it’s raining.”
Those who do participate are encouraged to share photos or videos of their walks on social media with the hashtag #GustyWalk.
Despite the changes, MacIvor doesn’t think the event will lose the ability to support its community.
“Even though I think they’re going to miss the face-to-face connections, they know that the support is there, the enthusiasm is there and the connections are still there.”
Donate
As of Thursday afternoon, MacLean had raised more than $200, a figure he was proud of, especially because some of those who donated were old high school classmates.
“It’s nice to see people I haven’t even seen in several years supporting something that doesn’t directly affect them, but most people I’ve talked to tend to know somebody who has died of Crohn’s or colitis.”
Of the money raised, 81 per cent goes directly toward increasing awareness, supporting those with inflammatory bowel disease, as well as research to cure Crohn’s and colitis.
Those looking to participate or donate can do so on the Gutsy Walk website at gutsywalk.ca.
