Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation operates as a prominent non-profit organization focused on advancing research, education, and support for individuals affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Its core mission involves driving scientific inquiry into inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), fostering a deeper understanding of these conditions among patients and healthcare professionals, and providing comprehensive resources to improve quality of life. The Foundation develops and maintains extensive patient education materials and support networks.

The organization was established on September 12, 1967, by Irwin and Suzanne Rosenthal, William and Shelby Modell, and Dr. Henry Janowitz, initially known as the National Foundation for Ileitis and Colitis. Their collective insight stemmed from a pressing need for dedicated patient resources, advocacy, and robust research funding to combat these debilitating and often misunderstood chronic illnesses. Many founders were personally impacted by IBD, fueling their commitment to create a centralized entity for support and scientific progress.

Patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, along with their families and caregivers, are the primary beneficiaries of the Foundation's extensive efforts. Its vision is to accelerate the path to cures for inflammatory bowel diseases while simultaneously empowering patients to live full and productive lives through improved treatments, access to care, and ongoing support. The Foundation actively works towards a future free from the suffering caused by IBD.