A special thank you

To those who started the ISCC in 1984, we owe you a great debt.  Thank you to the late Sarah Meade, Sr Ann Dison, Bruce Walker, Bill Mulrooney, Latitica Moonely, Marie Judge, Colette Murphy and past early committee members (1994): Betty Lattimore, Liz Comerford, Kevin Devlin, Rhona O’Brien, Breda Ryder, Peadar Walsh, P J Hogan, Carol Shanahan, Charles Irvine, Helen Flanagan, Hilary Dunne, Teresa Dowling. Unfortunately our archives are incomplete as to the full list of committee members over the years, however if you contributed to the mission of either the ISCC or CCI over the past 40 years we thank you for your dedication to providing much needed support for people living with IBD in Ireland.

Our Story: 40 Years of Supporting the IBD Community in Ireland

In 1984, a small group of dedicated individuals came together, united by a common goal: to support those living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in Ireland. This grassroots initiative laid the foundation for what would become Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland (CCI), an organisation that has grown into a powerful advocate and resource for thousands of people affected by these challenging conditions.

Over the past 40 years, CCI has evolved from a modest support network into a nationally recognised charity, driven by the same passion and commitment that inspired our founders. Our journey has been marked by resilience, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those impacted by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Early Years and Growth

In our early years, the focus was on building a community where individuals could find comfort, understanding, and practical advice. Through local meetings and shared experiences, we began to break the isolation often felt by those living with IBD. As awareness of our work spread, so too did our reach and impact. We quickly realised the importance of providing reliable, accessible information and began developing educational resources that would empower patients and their families to better understand and manage their conditions.

Expanding Our Services

As the needs of the IBD community evolved, so did our services. Recognising the complex challenges that come with living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, we expanded our support offerings to include a wide range of programs: including our helpline, patient education events, Gutcast Podcast, webinars, support groups and reliable website information with more projects every year.

In addition to direct support, we have also become a leading voice in advocacy, working tirelessly to influence public policy, improve healthcare services, and raise awareness about IBD across Ireland. Our campaigns have shined a light on the realities of living with these conditions, helping to reduce stigma and increase understanding among the wider public. Including doubling the number of IBD nurses around the country, and our poo taboo campaign to highlight symptoms of IBD for earlier diagnosis.

Celebrating 40 Years of Impact

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2024, we reflect on the incredible milestones we have achieved together with our community. From our humble beginnings to becoming a trusted and essential resource for thousands, our story is one of growth, empowerment, and hope.

Looking back, we are proud of the progress we have made, but we are also acutely aware of the work that still lies ahead. Our commitment to the IBD community remains as strong as ever. We continue to advocate for better treatment options, greater awareness, and a world where everyone living with IBD has the opportunity to lead a full and active life.

The Future of CCI

As we move forward, we are more determined than ever to support the IBD community in Ireland. Our vision for the future includes expanding our services, reaching even more people in need, and continuing to be a leading advocate for those living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. We are committed to driving research, improving healthcare, and ensuring that every person with IBD has access to the support and resources they need.

Our story is your story. It is the story of every person who has faced the challenges of IBD with courage and determination. It is the story of a community that has come together to lift each other up and create lasting change.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we have achieved so much, and together, we will continue to make a difference. Here’s to the next 40 years of Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland—a future full of hope, strength, and support.